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BENZIGER BROTHERS, 

printers to ti)£ K^olp ^ostolU 5«. 



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THE CATHOLIC NATIONAL SERIES. 



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ENGLISH GRAMMAR 

FOR THE USE OF SCHOOLS AND ACADEMIES. 

Arranged according to Dr. Sullivan's 
ATTL AMMAR; 



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This ly the Third 

Reader t to the thor- 

ough drill, in the elementary vowel sounds, which the pupils underwent 
while studying the First and Second Books. 

While embracing the best features of boolcs of its kind, it contains an ele- 
ment which has been heretofore carefully avoided in other Spellers, that is, all 
reference to Religion. Special pains have been taken to supply this want by 
introducing words relating to such matters of Faith as enter into a child's 
life, believing them of more than ordinary importance. 

The Publishers are happy to state that the Catholic National Speller 
AND WoRD-BooK has proved a decided success. 



BENZiaER BROTHERS, NEW YORK, OINOimATI, ATO ST. LOUIS. 




^he kingdom of heaven i$ foi| such a$ these. 
St. Matt. xix. 14. 



BIBLE HISTORY 



CONTAINING THE MOST 



REMARKABLE EVENTS 



OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT. 

TO WHICH IS ADDED A COMPENDIUM OF 

CHURCH HISTORY. 

FOE THE USE OF THE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS 
IN THE UNITED STATES. 

BY / 

RIGHT REV. RICHARD GILMOUR, D. D., 

Bishop of Cleveland. 







New- York, Cinciknati, A:tirD St. Louis : 
BENZIGER BROTHERS, 

PRINTERS TO THE HOLY APOSTOLIC SEE. 

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S 



A LETTER FROM 

His Holiness, Pope Leo XIII. 

^K.^^'ce^ (^jiyn^e^ DU^nJ iV^5^ ^^f^i^^^^^^tA^yiA^-^ 

TRANSLATION. 
We have received with thanks the copy of The IBihle History, 
together with the exp7'essions of devotion^ which JBenzif/er brothers ^ 

Publishers y have sent us thi'ough the Bishop of Basely and we give our 

Apostolic Benediction to them and to their labors that these may always 

tend to the good of Religion. 

Leo P. P. XIII. 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1869, by BENZIGER 
BROTHERS, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, 
for the Southern District of Ohio. 



Copyright, 1881, by BENZIGER BROTHERS. 



APPROBATIONS TO BISHOP GILMOUR'S BIBLE HISTORY. 



From His Eminence the Cardinal. 

New York, April 13, 1871. 
I cheerfully give my approbation and recommendation of your *' Illustrated 
History of the Bible." t JOHN, Archbishop of New York. 



From His Eminence the Cardinal, Archbishop of Westminster, England. 
Archbishop's House, Westminster, S. W., May 19, 1874. 
The Archbishop has received your " Illustrated Bible History," and thanks 
you much for it. He directs me to say that he strongly approves of it, and hopes 
that you will be able to continue publishing such good and useful books. 

HENRY BAYLEY, Secretary. 



From the Most Rev. Archbishop of Cincinnati. 

Cincinnati, August 5, 1869. 

The " Illustrated History of the Bible," Old and New Testaments, compiled 
by a priest of the diocese of Basel, translated into French by Rev. Dr. Bourquard, 
of Paris, approved by many bishops in Europe, and reproduced in many lan- 
guages, is presented, with our approbation, to the reverend clergy, school- 
teachers, parents, and youths of this diocese, by all of whom we desire it to be 
extensively used and circulated. Never was the thorough and intelligent 
teaching of the Catechism more needed than at the present day, and the Cate- 
chism of Christian Doctrine can neither be well taught nor properly understood 
without the Catechism of the Bible. 

This translation has been well made by Rev. Richard Gilmour, of the Arch- 
diocese. J. B. VURC^IA^, Archbishop 0/ Cincinnati. 



From the Most Rev. Archbishop of Oregon City. 

Portland, Oregon, October 4, 1869. 
I have received and examined your " Bible History," containing the most 
remarkable events of the Old and New Testaments. Its stj^le is pure, its lan- 
guage elegant, its plan excellent, and so much the more pleasing to me, because 
it coincides and corresponds with that of the Catholic Ladder, for teaching the 
history of religion from the beginning to the present time. That plan has the 
recommendation of St. Augustine, saying : " The true method of teaching religion 
is to begin with those words, ' In the beginning God created the heaven and 
the earth.' It is not necessary nor feasible to state all the particulars of the 
Old and New Testaments ; but make an abridgment, and insist on what seem 
to you the most important points. In order to show the whole scope of religion, 
bear in mind that the Old Testament is a figure of the New ; that the entire 
Mosaic religion, the Patriarchs, their lives, their covenants, their sacrifices, are 
so many figures of what we see : that the whole Jewish people and their govern- 
ment are but a great prophet of Jesus Christ and of the Church." As this 
should be teaching only the letter of religion, the illustrious Bishop of Hippo 
insists on teaching also its spirit, which consists in the love of God and our 
neighbor, speaking thus : " Commencing your account from the creation of all 
things in a state of perfection, and bringing it down to the existing period of the 
Church, your sole aim will be to show that everything prior to the Incarnation 
OF THE Word tends to manifest the love of God in accomplishing this mystery. 
Jesus Christ himself, immolated for us, teaches us the immensity of God's love 
for us, in giving us his true and only Son." For all this your book is m.ine for 
teaching the Catholic Ladder. I will recommend it all over the Archdiocese. 
F. N. ^\.K^QY{¥n:, Archbishop of Oregon City. 



From the Most Rev. Archbishop of Philadelphia. 

Philadelphia, Nov. 24, 1871. 
We cordially add our approbation of the " Bible History," prepared by Rev 
Richard Gilmour, and published by your firm under the auspices of the Most 
Rev. Archbishop of Cincinnati, to that of the many venerable Prelates whose 
names appear on the edition sent for our perusal. 

t JAMES F. V^OOV), Bishop of Philadelphia, 



From the Most Rev. Archbishop of Montreal. 

Montreal, le 14 Octobre 1870. 
La Petite Bible Illustree^ que Ton nous a communiquee, ayant ete approu- 
vee par divers Eveques d'un merite eminent, comme un ouvrage extremement 
utile, nous sommes heureux d'en recommander la lecture ^ tous les fideles con- 
fies a nos soins et surtout aux enfants qui frequentent les ecoles de la ville et des 
campagnes. t IGNATIUS, Eveque de Montreal. 



From the Most Rev. Archbishop of New Orleans. 

Nouvelle-Orleans, le 8 Octobre 1870. 
Ayant examine votre histoire de la Bible en fran9ais et I'ayant lue en anglais, 
je pense que cet ouvrage dans I'une comme dans I'autre langue est le meilleur 
livre dans ce genre que Ton puisse introduire dans les ecoles catholiques. 

NAPOLEON JOSEPH, Archeveque de la Nouvelle-Orleans. 



From the Most Rev. Archbishop of Milwaukee. 

Milwaukee, June 14, 1875. 
The Bible History published by you I really wish to have introduced in all 
the English schools of my diocese. Wherefore, you may use my name for its 
approbation. JOHN M. HENNI, Archbishop of Milwaukee. 



From the Most Rev. Archbishop of Baltimore. 

Wilmington, N. C, Dec. 11, 1871. 
Father Gilmour's Bible History, published by you, is a work that richly 
merits, as I am sure it will receive, the liberal patronage of the Catholic schools 
and academies throughout the country. I am delighted with it. 

JAMES GIBBONS, Vicar Apostolic, North Carolina. 



From, the Most Rev. Coadjutor-Archbishop of Oregon City. 

Victoria, V. I., July 3, 1875. 
As Bishop Gilmour's Bible History has the approbation of almost every 
Prelate of the Union, it is but right that I should be honored by having my name 
added to those of the distinguished Bishops. CAROLUS JOANNES, 

Bishop of Vancouver Island, 

From the Most Rev. Coadjutor-Archbishop of Milwaukee. 

La Crosse, September 26, 1869. 
Your Illustrated Bible History is in fact what it claims to be, a valuable school- 
book, useful both for teacher and scholar. The purity and plainness of its style, 
the careful selection and arrangement of its lessons, the variety and beauty of its 
illustrations, as also the great number of references pointed out from the Old to 
the New Testament, make it very desirable to see this Bible History introduced 
in our Catholic schools. MICHAEL HEISS, Bishop of La Crosse. 



From the Most Rev. Archbishop of Chicago. 

Nashville, Tenn., Nov. 29, 1871. 
I beg to thank you for your copy of Father Gilmour's Bible History. It is a 
most useful work, and I shall recommend it to the schools of the Diocese. 

P. A. FEEHAN, Bishop of Nashville, 



From the Right Rev- Bishop of Nesqualy. 

Vancouver, W. T., October i, 1869. 
I have examined the " Bible History,'' of which you sent me a copy. I con- 
sider it is well adapted to the wants of our schools. It is within the reach of the 
youngest pupil's understanding. The Director of the College says it is the best 
work of this kind for the schools he ever saw, and intends to introduce it soon 
into the classes. I will recommend the use of it in the schools of the Diocese. 
A. M. A. BLANCHET, Bishop o/Nesqualy, 



Fro7n the Right Rev. Bishop of Brooklyn. 

Brooklyn, July 7, 1873. 
I take pleasure in recommending your *' Illustrated Bible History." I hope 
it will be very extensively patronized. JOHN LOUGHLIN, 

Bishop of Brooklyn. 



From the Right Rev. Bishop of Burlington. 

Burlington, Vt., June 10, 1875. 
We use Bishop Gilmour's Bible History in our Perseverance Catechism in the 
Cathedral congregation ; both our teachers and children are much pleased w^ith 
it, and I cannot recommend it too much. t LOUIS, 

Bishop of Burlington^ Vt. 



From the Right Rev. Coadjutor-Bishop of Cincinnati. 

Natchez, Miss., Dec. 26, 1871. 

The '• Bible History " of Rev. Richard Gilmour has been used in the Brothers* 
schools at Natchez almost ever since its first publication. 

I have recommended it too as a useful book for a Class of Perseverance, for 
those who have made their First Holy Communion, and who know thoroughly 
their ordinary catechism. 

It is very important that our young Catholics make themselves well acquainted 
with the Sacred History. 

Growing irreverence for the Word of God is one of the characteristics of what is 
now called the progress of the age. Even those who claim to be especial friends 
of the Holy Bible expose it to daily ignominy in the Public Schools, and the 
denial of its veracity is openly avowed by some men who claim to be teachers 
of religion, while the synods and conventions of churches to which they belong 
dare not condemn the impiety which is taught to their children. 

On the other hand, the Sacred Council of the Vatican, in its very first decree, 
vindicated the Sacred Scriptures against their enemies. This shows that the 
Holy Ghost regards hostility to the Written Word of God as one of the prom- 
inent evils of the day, and that a knowledge and esteem of that holy Word ought 
to be characteristics of all earnest children of the Faith. 

Father Gilmour's Bible History^ is admirably adapted to promote this knowl- 
edge and esteem among our young people. 

The making of such books in our own country is one of the encouraging signs 
of the times. And it is remarkable that precisely in Cincinnati, where the Cath- 
olics were so fiercely denounced as enemies of the Holy Bible, a hard-working 
Catholic Priest rested from his other labors by working at this one for the pur- 
pose of promoting both a familiar and a reverent knowledge of the Sacred Books. 

I congratulate Rev. Father Gilmour on the work itself, and also on the style 
in which it has been published : cheap enough for the school-room — and beauti- 
ful enough for a Christmas present. 

I hope the extensiveness and fruitfulness of its use will give him the consola- 
tion which he so much deserves. WILLIAM HENRY ELDER, 

Bishop of Natchez, 



From the Right Rev. Bishop of St. Paul. 

St. Paul, Minn., April -2^ 1870. 
I received the copy of the Bible History you did me the kindness to send me 
some time ago. I need hardly say I was pleased with it. This History supplies 
a want in our schools, and supplies it well. Upon my recommendation the His- 
tory has been introduced into our schools in St. Paul, and I trust the example 
will be followed in all the schools of the Diocese. 

THOMAS L. GRACE, Bishop 0/ St. Paul. 



Fro7n the Right Rev, Bishop of Mobile, 

Mobile, October 14, 1869. 
We have received, by your favor, the " Illustrated Bible History," prepared 
for the use of Catholic schools in the United States by Rev. Richard Gilmour, of 
the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, and published by you. Having examined it care- 
fully, we consider it admirably adapted for use in the junior classes of our 
collegiate, conventual, and parochial schools ; and we hereby most cordially 
recommend it to all Catholic teachers and scholars within our ecclesiastical juris- 
diction. JOHN QUINLAN, Bishop of Mobile. 



Fro7n the Right Rev, Bishop of Marysville, 

Marysville, Cal., January 17, 1872. 
Your Bible History is an admirable and interesting compendium of the Bible. 
I only wish it were in my power to give it a wider circulation than it has already. 

tE. O'CONNELL, Bishop. 

From the Right Rev. Bishop of Leeds, England. 

Springfield House, Little Woodhouse, 
Leeds, May^ 15, 1874. 
I have duly received your " Bible History," for which be pleased to accept my 
best thanks and my warmest congratulations upon your elegant and useful work, 
which I shall be glad to see in use in the schools of this Diocese. 

t ROBERT CORNTHWAITE, Bishop of Beverley. 



From the Right Rev, Bishop of Dubuque, 

Dubuque, Dec. 14, 1871. 
Please accept my thanks for a copy of Rev. Father Gilmour's Bible History. 
I find it so highly recommended that I shall be glad to see it introduced into the 
schools of this Diocese. t JOHN HENNESS Y, Bishop of Dubuque. 



From the Right Rev. Bishop of Little Rock. 

Little Rock, Oct. 25, 1869. 
The Sisters of St. Mary's Academy of Little Rock have examined Rev. R. 
Gilmour's Bible History, and consider it to be a very useful text-book. They 
purpose introducing it into their schools at the commencement of next school 
year. I beg to add my recommendation to theirs. 

EDWARD FITZGERALD, Bishop of Little Rock. 



From the Right Rev. Bishop of Louisville. 

Louisville, Ky., January 2, 1872. 
You would have had an earlier acknowledgment of the receipt of the Rev. R. 
Gilmour's " Illustrated Bible History," but that I wished to read it through care- 
fully, and judge for myself. This I have done, and I take great pleasure in 
recommending it as one of the most admirable works of its kind ever published. 
Although intended for the young, older persons may read it with much profit, 
and I trust it may find its way not only into the schools, but also into every Cath- 
plic family of my diocese. WILLIAM McCLOSKEY, 

Bishop of Louisville. 



prom the Right Rev. Bishop of Erie. 

Erie, Pa., Nov. 20, 1871. 
Accept my thanks for the copy you sent me of the '' Bible History prepared 
by Rev. Richard Gilmour," and published by you. I have examined it with 
some care, and consider ii admirably adapted for the use of Catholic schools. It 
reproduces in a manner most attractive to children the whole inspired record of 
God's dealings with mankind, while its illustrations are so striking and appropri- 
ate as to sustain the interest of the youthful reader and rivet his attention on the 
most important points in the sacred narrative. Although designed for children, 
it might be studied with advantage by persons of any age, and may then be very 
deservedly assigned a place in the home-library as in the school-room. 

tT. MULLEN, Bishop 0/ Erie. 



From the Right Rev. Bishop of Buffalo. 

Buffalo, N. Y., Nov. 21, 1871. 
I have no hesitation in recommending Rev. R. Gilmour's Illustrated Bible 
History, already so highly and respectably recommended. As a compendium of 
Bible history, I deem it in every way a most desirable and useful book to be put 
into the hands of children. t STEPHEN VINCENT, 

Bishop of Buffalo. 



From the Right Rev. Bishop of Covington. 

Covington, Nov. 23, 1871. 
You have deserved well of the parents and children of the United States by 
your beautiful edition of the excellent Bible History by Rev. Rich. Gilmour. 
Allow me to add my name to the long list of Bishops who by their approval bear 
witness to its excellence. I cordially recommend its introduction in all the 
schools of my Diocese. t A. M. TOEBBE, Bishop of Covington. 



From the Right Rev. Bishop of Alton. 

Alton, 111., March 19, 1870. 
I have examined the Bible History for Catholic schools, by Rev. Richard 
Gilmour. I recommend it to the schools of our Diocese. 

P. J. BALTES, Bishop of Alton. 



From the Right Rev. Bishop of Detroit. 

Detroit, Nov. 22, 1871. 
We had the pleasure of examining the manuscript of the Bible History by 
Rev. Richard Gilmour ; and since its publication by you we are delighted in 
seeing it honored with the approbation of three Archbishops and thirteen Bishops 
of the Catholic Church in the United States. We unite with them in recom- 
mending it to all who are interested or engaged in the instruction of youth, as in 
every respect among the best Bible Histories published for the use of Catholic 
schools in this country. C. H. BORGESS, 

C. and A dm. Bishop of Detroit. 



From the Right Rev. Bishop of Albany. 

Albany, Aug. 14, 1875. 
I cheerfully unite with my brethren in the Episcopacy in their commendation 
of the Illustrated Bible History, prepared for the use of Catholic schools in the 
United States by the Rt. Rev. Dr. Gilmour, Bishop of Cleveland, and published 
by the house of Benziger Brothers, New York and Cincinnati. Its introduction 
into every school in the diocese of Albany would be hailed by me with great 
pleasure. Y^K^Ql^ Bishop-Administrator of Albany, 



From the Right Rev. Bishop of Ogdensburg. 

Ogdensburg, June 12, 1875. 
The examination of your illustrated Bible History has given me great plea- 
sure, and I heartily approve of its publication. 

t EDGAR P. WADHAMS, Bishop of Ogdensburg. 



From the Right Rev. Bishop of Savannah. 

Savannah, Aug. to, 1873. 
I most cheerfully give my approbation to your " Illustrated History of the 
Bible," and most earnestly recommend it to the Reverend Clergy, to school- 
teachers, and to all the faithful of this diocese. + WILLIAM, 

Bishop of Savannah. 

Prom the Right Rev. Bishop of Sherbrooke. 

Sherbrooke, July 6, 1875. 
I would be most happy to see Bishop Gilmour's Bible History adopted for 
school purposes in my Diocese, as it is the most commendable book for children 
to study from. t ANTOINE, Eveque de Sherbrooke, 



From the Right Rev. Vicar Apostolic of N. Minnesota. 

St. Cloud, Minn., June 12, 1875. 
The copy of the Bible History by Rt. Rev. R. Gilmour, so kindly sent to me, 
has been duly received. It is an excellent work for schools, and I shall not fail 
to forward its introduction into the schools of my new Vicariate as far as is in 
my power. f RUPERT SEIDENBUSH, O. S. B., 

Vic. Ap. Northern Minnesota. 



From the Right Rev. Bishop of St. Hyacinth. 

St. Hyacinth, Bishop's Palace, Oct. 16, 1875. 
I very willingly give my approbation of the Bible History, and I earnestly 
hope that it meets with as favorable a reception amongst all Catholics, and more 
especially amongst the English speaking faithful of this Diocese. 

tL. Z. MOREAU, Administrator of St. Hyacinth. 



Cincinnati, A ugust 10, 1869. 
I find your Bible History exceedingly well adapted to the object for which it 
is designed, a school-book. The style is so purely English that it has not even 
the semblance of a translation. It is evident that the translator aimed to use 
Saxon words where it was possible. While his language is elegant, it is, at the 
same time, fitted to the comprehension of children. The moral reflections, the 
allusions to the mysteries of the New Testament, combined with the well-exe- 
cuted illustrations of the work, render the book a valuable acquisition both for 
teachers and for school-children. We will adopt it in our schools. 

Rrv. W. H. hill, S. J., President of St. Xavier College. 



Alton, III., Septejnber 9, 1869. 
We have received a copy of your Bible History, by Rev. R. Gilmour, and 
approve highly of it. URSULINE SISTERS. 



EvANSViLLE, Ind., September 14, 1869. 
We are highly delighted with the new Illustrated Bible History. We will 
introduce it in our German schools as an English reading-book. We consider it 
as a powerful aid to instil piety in the hearts of the children. 

SISTERS OF PROVIDENCE. 



CiN'CiNNATi, September 15, 1869. 
For conciseness, simplicity, and clearness of style, we like your Bible History, 
and hope gradually to introduce it into our schools. 

SISTERS OF MERCY, West Fourth Street, Cincinnati, 



1 



St. Mary's of the Woods, Vigo Co., Ind,, September 15, 1869. 
Having examined your Bible History, we find it suited to our wants, and 
intend introducing it into our classes. Have the kindness to forward, as soon as 
convenient, 6 doz. copies. Were it not that we are so much pleased with the 
work, and so well convinced of its worth, we would not presume to introduce it 
at present, having already laid in a supply of books for the year. 

SISTERS OF PROVIDENCE. 



Convent of the Annunciation, Nebraska City, Neb , Septetnber 16, 1869. 
The copy of the Bible History you so kindly sent, arrived. We are greatly 
pleased with it. It is just what we have long desired. 

MOTHER BEATRICE BLAKELY, O. S. B. 



Cedar Grove, near Cincinnati, September 20, 1869. 
We are delighted with the " Illustrated Bible History," by Rev. R. Gilmour, 
and will adopt it in our schools. SISTERS OF CHARITY. 



Academy of Mount St. Vincent, 
near Yonkers, N. Y., September 23, 1869. 
Accept our grateful thanks, not only for the copy of your new Bible History, 
which you have so courteously sent us, but for having placed such an invaluable 
work within our reach. Be assured that we shall introduce it into our schools 
promptly. Please to forward 50 copies to Academy Mount St. Vincent. 

THE SISTERS OF CHARITY. 



Georgetown, D. C, October 13, 1869. 
We are exceedingly pleased with your Bible History, and will adopt it in our 
academy. The well-executed illustrations render it doubly attractive to vouth. 
We have been using it for several years in the German classes. 

SISTERS OF THE VISITATION. 



St. Mary's Academy, Portland, Oregon, January 19, 1870. 
I received with gratitude the copy of the Bible History you w^ere so kind as 
to send me. We feel really convinced that this book of lije cannot but instil 
piety in youthful hearts. Please to send 60 copies. 

MOTHER VERONICA, Superioress, 



St, Joseph's Academy, Flushing, N, Y., September 25, 1870. 
Having examined your Bible History, and considering it one of the most use- 
ful works of its kind, for the instruction of 5''outh in the Old and New Testa- 
ments, we have introduced it in our schools throughout with great satisfaction 
and success. SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH. 



Academy of the Immaculate Conception, 
Chicago, March 29, 1871. 
After a careful examination of the "Illustrated Bible History" published by 
your firm, we are desirous of introducing it in our schools. 

We will need quite a number at present, and of course as the school increases 
and classes advance, another supply will be needed. When your price list is 
received, we will then order what we need. SISTER DOMINICA. 



PREFACE 



The following '' Illustrated Bible History " needs a 
word of explanation. It professes to be a translation of 
a Bible history published by the Benziger Brothers, 
and now extensively used in the schools of Europe, 
having been already translated into six different lan- 
guages ; but there have been so many changes made, 
and the Avhole form of the book so altered, that, in 
some sense, it might be called new. 

The original is, to a great extent, made up of quota- 
tions from the Scriptures. To some this might be con- 
sidered a recommendation, as thereby familiarizing the 
young with the sacred text ; yet the language would be 
quaint, and the construction of the sentences awkward, 
in a book prepared for school reading ; hence, on the 
recommendation of those whose life-long experience in 
the training of youth gives their opinion weight, the 
work has been recast. However, the substance, and, as 

(V) 



Yl PREFACE. 

far as possible, the language, of the original, have been 
retained. 

For the convenience of teachers the matter has been 
divided into paragraphs, and questions have been added 
to aid the pupil. Dates, and a list of the patriarchs, 
it is hoped, will be found a valuable addition. 

In this Edition the old illustrations are, in great part, 
replaced by new ones, and several additional illustrations 
have been added. The work is also supplemented by a 
" Compendium of Church History," which, it is hoped, 
will increase the usefulness of the book. 

Shortness in the chapters, pithiness in the sentences, 
and great condensation of matter, marked the original. 
These have been retained. The illustrations and press- 
work speak for themselves. The work is sent forth 
with considerable confidence in its merits. 



History of the Old Testament 



-<m>- 



AGE I. 
FROM ADAM TO ABRAHAM. 



CONTAINING 2083 YEARS. 



A. M. 1.] 1.— The Creation of the World, [a. c. 4000 




1. In the beginning God created the heavens and the 
earth. The earth was void and empty, and darkness was 
on the face of the deep. Then God said : " Let there be 
hght ! " and light was made. This was the work of the 
first day. 

2. On the second day was created the firmament, with 
all its expansive beauty. 



8 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAME:t^T. 

On the third day God gathered together the waters into 
one place, and commanded the dry land to appeal ; the 
waters He called sea, and the dry land earth. Thus were 
formed the fountains, the streams, and the rivers. 

3. Then God commanded the earth to bring forth 
plants, and green trees, and flowers of many various 
forms and different colors. 

On the fourth day were made the great lights that 
shine in the heavens, the sun, the moon, and the stars. 
On the fifth day the fish that are in the waters, and the 
birds that are in the air were created. 

4. The sixth day God created all manner of living 
creatures that are upon the earth, each in its kind. 

At last He said : " Let us make man to our own image 
and likeness, and let him have dominion over the whole 
earth/^ So God formed man out of the slime of the earth, 
and breathed into him an immortal soul, and called him 
Adam ; that is, taken from the earth. God saw all the 
things that He had made, and they were good. So He 
rested on the seventh day, and blessed it. 

5. As God created man on tlie sixth day of creation, so on Good- 
Friday, the sixth day of Holy Week, He redeemed him. And as 
the body of the first Adam was formed from the earth whilst it 
was yet pure and blessed, so was Jesus Christ, the second Adam, 
born of Mary, a Virgin, pure and without original sin. 



2.— Happiness of Adam and Eve in Paradise. 

1. The heavens and the earth being finished, God 
planted a garden, a terrestrial paradise, in which were all 
manner of trees and precious fruits. In the midst thereof 
He placed two trees, one the tree of life, the other the 
tree of knowledge of good and evil. God then told Adam 



Questions to Chapter 1.— What was done in the beginning ? How was the 
earth created ? What did God create on the first day ? WTiat on the second ? 
What on the third ? What were the waters called ? What did the earth bring 
forth ? What was created on the fourth day? On the fifth'? And sixth? Why 
did God call the first man Adam ? What did God do on the seventh day ? 



THE FALL OF OUR FIRST PARENTS. 9 

he might eat of the fruit of every tree in the garden, but, 
" of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, 
he should not eat ; for on the day he would eat, he should 
surely die." 

2. Then God brought before Adam all the beasts of 
the earth that he might give to each its name. But for 
Adam there was not found a companion like to himself. 
And God said : " It is not good for man to be alone, let us 
make a helpmate like unto himself." So God cast a deep 
sleep upon Adam, and from his side took a rib, which He 
formed into a woman. When Adam awoke, God brought 
the woman to him, and he called her Eve, that is, the 
mother of all the living. 

3. Whilst Adam and Eve were in Paradise, God treated tliem as 
a father does his children, and they were happy: at the same time 
the tree of life preserved them from sickness and death. — The tree 
of life was a figure of the Sacrament of the Altar ; of which it is 
written, " He who is fed by it, shall live forever." 



3. — The Angels and the Fall of our First Parents. 

1. Besides the visible, God also created an invisible 
world, namely His angels. At first they were good and 
perfectly happy ; but in time they became dazzled with 
their own perfections, and, yielding to pride, revolted 
against God. Michael, and the other angels that remained 
faithful, fought against them, vanquished and overthrew 
them, together with their leader, Lucifer, who is also 
called Satan. 

2. But Satan, fallen and lost, began to contrast his 
misery with man's happiness, and, raging with anger and 
envy, resolved to seduce man from his obedience to God. 
For this end he made use of the serpent. 

3. One day, while Eve was looking at the forbidden 

Questions to Chapter 2.— What was placed in Paradise? What are the 
names of the trees ? What was to happen if Adam eat the fruit ? What were 
brought before Adam ? What was not found ? Of what was the woman formed ? 
What does Eve mean ? What is said of Paradise ? And of the tree of life ? 



10 



HISTOEY or THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



tree, the serpent, coming near, asked her why she did not 
eat of its fruit. Eve answered, God had forbidden them 




to touch it, lest they should die. But the serpent artfully 
replied, they would not die ; on the contrary, their eyes 
would be opened, and they would be as gods, knowing 
good and evil. Eve looked again upon the tree ; her 
curiosity was excited : the more she looked, the more the 
forbidden fruit appeared enticing. At length she stretched 
forth her hand, plucked the fruity eat and gave to Adam, 
who also eat. This was their first sin. 

4. Immediately their eyes were opened, but far other- 
wise than they had expected. Covered with shame, they 
sewed together fig-leaves and made garments for them- 
selves, and, trembling, hid among the trees. From one 
tree came ruin ; from another, the tree of the cross, came 
redemption and victory over sin and the devil. 



Questions to Chapter 3.— What was created? At first, what were they? 
How did they fall ? What is said of Satan ? How did he tempt Eve ? Did he 
succeed ? What happened to Adam and Eve ? What is said of the tree and the 
cross ? 



THE PUKISHMEKT OF SIN. 



11 



4.— The Punishment of Sin and the Promise of 
a Redeemer. 

1. In the evening God came into the garden and called 
Adam, who, trembling with fear, approached and acknowl- 
edged that he had eaten the forbidden fruit, but threw 
the blame on the woman. She, in turn, blamed the 
serpent. 




2. Then God cursed the serpent, condemning him to 
crawl upon the ground and to eat dust all the days of his 
life : besides, He said, enmity should exist between the 
serpent and the woman, but in the end the woman would 
crush his head. 

3. Then God told the woman she should bring forth 
her childi^en in sorrow, and, for her disobedience, be sub- 
ject to her husband. To the man He said : ^''Cursed is 
the earth in thy work : thorns and thistles shall it bring 
forth to thee ; and in the sweat of thy brow thou shalt 
eat thy bread, until thou return to the earth from whence 



12 HISTOKY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

thou earnest : for dust thou art and unto dust thou shalt 
return/' 

4. Then God made garments of skins, and, clothing 
Adam and Eve in them, drove them out of Paradise. At 
the entrance of the garden an angel, with a fiery sword, 
was placed to guard against their return. 



A. M. 128.] 5. — Cain and Abel. [a. c. 3872. 

1. Adam and Eve had many children; of these, the 
eldest were Cain and his brother Abel. Cain was a hus- 
bandman, and wicked; but Abel, a shepherd, was just 
and good. Both offered sacrifice to God — Abel, a lamb ; 
Cain, of the fruits of the earth. God, who knew the 
secrets of their hearts, looked with favor on the sacrifice 
of Abel, but turned away His face from the sacrifice of 
Cain. 

2. When Cain saw this, his mind was filled with anger 
and jealousy against his brother. His countenance fell ; 
and though God chid him in kindness, telling him if he 
did well he would be rewarded equally with Abel, yet Cain 
would not be appeased. 

3. So, nourishing his anger and giving way to his spite, 
Cain one day asked Abel to go with him into the fields. 
There he rose up against his brother and slew him. As 
soon as the blood of the innocent Abel stained the gTound, 
God cried out to Cain: ^MVhere is thy brother?'' but 
Cain, hardened in his crime, answered he did not know ; 
nor was he his brother's keeper. 

4. But God, from whom nothing can be hid, told Cain 
that Abel's blood cried to Him for vengeance, and, because 
he had dared to touch his brother, he should be a fugitive 
and a vagabond on the face of the earth. When Cain 



Questions to Chapter 4. — Who called Adam? What was said? What 
curse did God pronounce on the serpent ? What curse did God pronounce on 
Eve ? On Adam ? Of what did God make clothing ? What happened to Adam 
and Eve ? What was placed at the gate of Paradise ? 



THE DELUGE. 



13 



heard this sentence of God, he gave way to despair,, say- 
ing : '' My sin is too great to be pardoned." So God set 
a mark upon him, and he went forth, a wanderer and a 
fugitive upon the face of the earth. 

5. The murdered Abel is a figure of Jesus Christ, while Cain is 
a figure of the traitor Judas and the Jewish people, who put our 
Saviour to death. 



A. M. 1656.] 6.— The Deluge. [a. c. 2344. 

1. The descendants of Adam were divided into two 
classes— the good and the lad. To console Adam for the 




death of Abel, God gave him the pious Seth. Seth's 
posterity were known as the children of God, while the 
descendants of Cain were very wicked. 

Questions to Chapter 5. — What is said of Cain and Abel ? What were 
their sacrifices ? How did God receive them ? How did Cain act ? How did he 
answer God ? What was Cain's sentence ? What is said of Abel and Christ ? Of 
Cain and Judas ? 



14 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

2. By degrees mankind became corrupt, Noe alone 
remaining just. God bade Noe build an Ark, for in a 
hundred years He would destroy by a deluge every living 
creature on the face of the earth. The following are the 
dimensions and construction of the Ark : Its length, three 
hundred cubits ; its breadth, fifty ; and its height, thirty 
cubits. In the upper part was a window, and in the side 
a door. 

3. For a hundred years Noe labored on the construction 
of the Ark. During this time he preached penance to the 
wicked, and warned them of the evils that were to come ; 
but they heeded him not. Then God commanded him to 
go into the Ark and to take with him his wife, and his 
three sons and their wives ; moreover to take with him of 
every animal two of a sort, and food sufficient. 

4. After seven days the deluge came. The fountains 
of the great deep were broken up, and the flood-gates of 
heaven were opened, but the Ark floated peacefully upon 
the waters. Overwhelmed with despair, men began to 
climb the trees, and in vain to ascend the hills. The 
waters continued to increase, until they had risen fifteen 
cubits above the tops of the highest mountains. 

5. Thus perished every living thing that then moved 
upon the earth : from man to the beasts of the earth ; 
from the birds in the air to the reptiles on the ground. 
Noe and all that were in the Ark alone remained. 

Noe is a figure of Jesus Clirist, as the Ark is a figure of the 
Catholic Church. 



A. M. 1657.] 7. — The Sacrifice of Noe. [a. c. 2343. 

1. When the waters had covered the earth for a hundred 
and fifty days, God remembered Noe, and sent a warm 
wind, that by degrees abated the waters. Soon the moun- 

QuESTioNs TO Chapter 6.— How were men divided? Who descended from 
Seth ? Who from Cain ? Who alone remained just ? What did Noe build ? How 
long was he building the Ark ? Who went into the Ark ? When did the deluge 
come ? What is said of the Ark ? What of men ? What perished ? 



THE SACRIFICE OF NOE. 



15 



tains began to appear^ and in the seventh month the Ark 
rested on the top of Mount Ararat, in Armenia. 

2. Noe, eager to learn if the waters had subsided, opened 
the window of the Ark and sent forth a raven, which did 
not return ; then he sent forth a dove, which, not finding 
where her foot might rest, returned to the Ark. After 
seven days, I^oe again sent forth the dove, which returned 




in the evening, carrying in its beak an olive branch. By 
this, N"oe knew that the waters were abated upon the 
earth. At the command of God, Noe and his wife, and 
his sons and his sons' wives, and every living creature that 
was with them, went forth from the Ark, after having 
been shut up in it for a whole year. 

3. Filled with gratitude, Noe built an altar, and, taking 
of the animals that were pure, offered sacrifice to the 
Lord. God was pleased with him for this, and set his 
rainbow in the heavens. Then God blessed Noe and his 
sons, and said to them : '' Behold, I will establish my 
covenant with you and with your posterity. There shall 



16 HISTORY OP THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

be no more a deluge to destroy all flesh. While the earth 
exists, seed-time and harvest, summer and winter, day 
and night shall not cease. And the arc that I have 
placed in the clouds shall be the sign of my covenant 
with you." 

4. The impenitent sinner is like tlie raven that returned not to 
the Ark, while the dove is like the faithful soul that finds its rest 
only in Jesus Christ and his Church. 



A. M. 1658.] 8. — The Sons of Noe. [a. c. 2342. 

1. Noe had three sons — Sem, Cham, and Japhet. To- 
gether with them he tilled the ground and planted the 
vine. When the vintage came, not knowing the strength 
of wine, he drank too freely, and, becoming drunk, lay in 
his tent. Cham, finding him in this condition, laughed, 
and, going, told his brothers what he had seen. 

2. But they, filled with reverence, and moved with filial 
love, took a cloak, and, putting it upon their shoulders, 
turned away their eyes, and, going backward, covered 
their father. AVhen Noe awoke, and learned what had 
taken place — ^^ Cursed be Cham," said he, ^^but blessed 
be Sem and Japhet." 

A.M. 1757.] The Tower of Babel. [a c. 2243 

3. Soon the descendants of Noe began so to multiply 
that they could no longer dwell together in the same place. 
In their pride, before separating, they resolved to build a 
city and a tower that would reach to heaven. But God 
easily confounded them in their foolish project. On a 
sudden their language was confused, and they could not 
understand one another. Before this there had been but 

Questions to Chapter 7.— How long did the deluge continue ? Where did 
the Ark rest ? How did Noe know the waters were gone ? How long was Noe 
in the Ark ? What did Noe offer ? What covenant did God make ? What is said 
of the raven and the dove ? 



THE TOWER OF BABEL. 



17 



one language ; but now there were many. The city and 
the tower were abandoned, and the people dispersed. 



^. \ \ ^ ' ^ 




4. The posterity of Sem was spread over the greater 
part of Asia. From him are descended the Israelites, the 
chosen people of God. The descendants of Cham went to 
Africa, while the children of Japhet passed over to 
Europe. 

5. The pride of Babel led to the confusion of languages ; while, 
on Pentecost, the humility of the Apostles led to their union. 

END OF THE FIRST AOE. 



Questions to Chapter 8. — What is said of Noe's sons ? What happened to 
Noe ? What did Cham do ? What did Sem and Japhet do ? What did Noe do ? 
What is said of the Tower of Babel ? What did God do ? What was confused ? 
Where did the people go ? Where did the descendants of Sem go ? Who are 
descended from Sem ? Who are descended from Cham ? and who from Japhet ? 
Wliat is said of Babel and Pentecost ? 



18 



HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



The Names and Ages of the First Ten Patriarchs, from 
Adam to Noe : 







AM. 


AM. 






A.M. 


A.M. 








BOBN. 


Died. 


Age. 




Born. 


Died. 


Age. 


1. 


Adam . 


. 


930 


930 


6. 


Jared . . 460 


1422 


962 


2. 


Seth 


130 


1042 


912 


7. 


Enoch .. . 622 


987 


365 


3. 


Ends 


235 


1140 


905 


8. 


Mathusalem 687 


1656 


969 


4. 


Cainan . 


325 


1235 


910 


9. 


Lamech . 874 


1651 


777 


5. 


Malaleel 


395 


1290 


895 


10. 


Noe , .1057 


2006 


950 



By this it will be seen to what an advanced age the 
early Patriarchs lived. Adam lived 930 years : Lamech, 
Noe's father, was born in the year 874 ; so Noe's father 
lived 56 years with Adam, and Noe himself lived 128 
years with Thare, Abraham's father. Thus, from Abra- 
ham to Adam there were but three persons, and from 
Abraham to Moses it was very easy to hand down tradi- 
tions. Hence, there was no difficulty m Moses writing 
about the creation and the early history of the world as 
we find it related in the Bible. 



-^3>- 



AGE II. 

FROM THE CALL OF ABRAHAM 
TO MOSES. 

CONTAINING 430 YEARS 



A. M. 2083.] 



9. — The Call of Abraham. 



[a. C. 1917 



1. At Haran, in the midst of a wicked world, there 
lived a Chaldee named Abraham, a most upright man. 
God chose him, that through him the knowledge of the 
true God and the hope in the promised Redeemer might 
be preserved among men. For this reason, the Lord 
commanded Abraham to leave his country and his kins- 
folks, and go into a strange land. God moreover promised 



THE VIRTUES OF ABRAHAM. 19 

,that Abraham should be the father of a great people^ and 
that, in him all nations should be blessed. 

2. Abraham obeyed^ and, with Sarah his wife, and Lot 
his nephew, together with his servants and flocks, came 
into Chanaan, a land flowing with milk and honey. Here 
the Lord appeared to Abraham, and promised to give him 
and his posterity that land. In gratitude, Abraham built 
an altar and offered sacrifice to the Lord. 



10. — The Virtues of Abraham. 

1. His love of peace. — In time, because of the scarcity of 
pasture, quarrels arose between the herdsmen of Abraham 
and the herdsmen of his nephew Lot ; so Abraham, who 
loved peace rather than gain, thought it better that he 
and Lot should part. He gave Lot the choice to go either 
to the right or to the left. Lot chose the country about 
the Jordan, and dwelt in Sodom, while Abraham remained 
at Hebron. 

2. His disinterestedness, — Not long after this there 
came into that country strange kings, who pillaged the 
cities of Sodom and Gomorrha, took Lot captive, and 
carried off with them all his substance. When Abraham 
heard this sad news, he gathered together three hundred 
of his servants, and, pursuing, defeated those kings, 
delivered Lot, and, recovering all his substance, led him 
back to his own country. 

3. It was on this occasion Abraham was met by Mel- 
chisedech. King of Salem, and priest of the Most High, 
who, offering sacrifice of bread and wine, blessed Abraham. 
At the same time, the King of Sodom offered Abraham all 
the booty that had been taken, only to restore the captives, 
but Abraham would take nothing. 

4. In this victory over the foreign kings, we have a type of Christ's 

Questions to Chapteb 9.— What is said of Abraham ? Where did God send 
I Abraham ? Why ? What did God promise ? Where did Abraham come ? What 
► is said of Chanaan ? 



20 



HISTOKY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



victory over the powers of hell. The sacrifice of Melchisedech in 
bread and wine was a symbol of the Sacrifice of the Mass, which is ' 
also offered under the appearance of bread and wine. 

5. Abraham's faith.— One night God led Abraham to 
the door of his tent, and said to him : '' Lift up j^our 
eyes to heaven, and count the stars if you can ; thus shall 
your posterity be multiplied upon the earth/^ 




6. God again appeared to him, and confirmed his former 
promise, adding that He would make a covenant with him. 
In return, God required Abraham to serve Him faithfully. 
To confirm this covenant between them, God promised 
Abraham a son, whose name should be called Isaac. 
Abraham believed the word of the Lord, and his faith, 
confirmed by his works, was imputed to him. It was on 
this occasion that God prescribed the ceremony of cir- 
cuyjicision. 



Questions to Chapter 10. — How did Abraham show his love for peace? 
What is said of Lot ? Where did he go ? Where did Abraham remain ? What is 
said about Sodom and Gomorrha ? Who was taken captive ? What did Abraham 
do ? Whom did he meet when returning ? What is said of Melchisedech's sacri- 
fice ? What did God promise Abraham ? What did God make with him ? Who 
was Isaac ? What did God prescribe ? 



Abraham's hospitality. 21 



11. — Abraham's Hospitality. 

1. During the extreme heat of the day, three strangers 
approached Abraham's tent. As soon as he saw them, 
bowing himself to the ground, he said to the most dis- 
tinguished of them : ''My lord, pass not by the door of 
my tent : stop and rest under the shade of the tree, and I 
will set before you a little bread, that you may refresh 
yourself." 

2. Then Sarah hastened to make flour-cakes upon the 
hearth, whilst Abraham chose a tender calf from the flock, 
and, hastening, gave it to the servants to dress and boil ; 
then he took milk and butter, and the calf and the cakes, 
and set them before the strangers, while he stood by to 
serve them. 

3. When they had eaten, he, who appeared chief among 
the strangers, told Abraham that in a year he would 
return, and, by that time, Sarah his wife would have a 
son. When Abraham heard this, he knew that it was 
God himself, accompanied by two angels, whom he had 
entertained. 

4. Abraham's love of Ms netghbo7\ — When the three 
strangers departed, Abraham accompanied them some dis- 
tance on their journey to Sodom. On the way, the Lord 
told Abraham of the iniquity of Sodom and Gom'orrha, 
and how He was about to destroy the two wicked cities. 
When Abraham heard this, full of charity for his erring- 
neighbors, he besought the Lord not to destroy the just 
with the unjust. 

5. Pleading, he besought the Lord to spare the sinful 
cities of the plain, if there could be found in them fifty 
just. And when the Lord yielded to his prayer, he yet 
again and again urged, until the Lord agreed, if ten just 
could be found, not to destroy Sodom. But ten just could 
not be found ; therefore, on the following morning, came 
the punishment as terrible in its severity as it was strange 
in its noyelty, 



22 



HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMEISTT. 



6. The Lord haying left the two angels, they came to 
Lot, in Sodom. On the morrow they led Lot, his wife. 




and his two daughters forth from the place ; then the 
Lord rained down fire and brimstone .on the unfortunate 
cities, destroying them with all their inhabitants. But 
Lot's wife, forgetting the command of the angels, looked 
back, and, for her curiosity, was, on the spot, turned into 
a pillar of salt. The country round about was turned into 
a sulphurous lake — now known as the Dead Sea — which 
will ever remain a monument of the wrath of God for the 
sins of men. 



12. — Abraham's Spirit of Self-sacrifice. 

1. As had been foretold, the year after the destruction 
of Sodom, Isaac was born. His father loved him most 

Questions to Chapter 11. — Who approached Abraham's tent? What did 
Sarah and Abraham do ? What did the strangers promise ? Whom did Abraham 
accompany ? What did the Lord tell him ? For what did Abraham plead ? What 
came on the morrow ? Who were saved ? What happened to Lot'? wife ? What 
were Sodom and Gomorrha turned into ? What is its name ? 



ABRAHAM'S SPIRIT OF SELF-SACRIFICE. 



23 



tenderly, because lie had been born to him in his old age. 
One night God, that he might try him, commanded Abra- 
ham to take his beloved Isaac and to go up into Mount 
Moria, and there to sacrifice him. 

2. Without a word, Abraham rose, and cutting wood 
placed it on an ass, and, taking with him his son and two 
servants, went forth as the Lord had commanded him. 
On the third day, seeing in the distance the place whither 
he had been commanded to go, he ordered the servants to 
rest while he and Isaac would go up the mountain. 

3. Then Abraham put the wood on Isaac's shoulders 
and they went 
on together. 
On the way, 
Isaac remarked 
that they had 
the fire and 
the wood with 
them, but they 
had no victim 
for the sacri- 
fice. But his 
father assured 
him God would 
provide a vic- 
tim. When 

they were come to the place God had showed them, Abra- 
ham built an altar, and, placing the wood upon it, bound 
Isaac and laid him also upon it ; then he took the sword 
to sacrifice his much-loved son. 

4. Just as Abraham was about to strike, an angel touched 
his hand and told him not to harm the boy ; that the 
Lord was satisfied, since, for His sake, he had not spared 
his only-begotten son. Abraham lifted up his eyes and 
saw behind him a ram sticking among the bushes : taking 
it, he offered it mstead of his son. 

5. The angel spoke again to Abraham, telling him the 
Lord would bless him for this offering he had made ; that 




34 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

his posterity would be as numerous as the sand of the 
sea ; and that from him would be born oiste in whom all 
nations would be blessed. 



AM. 2148.] 13. — Isaac Marries Rebecca. [a a 1852. 

1. When Abraham had grown old^ he became anxious 
to choose for his son a wife, who feared God. Therefore, 
calling his faithful servant Eliezer, he sent him into 
Mesopotamia, that, amongst his own friends and kinsfolk, 
he might seek for a wife for Isaac. Eliezer took ten 
•camels, and, loading them with his master's goods, de- 
parted for the city of Haran, where Abraham's brother, 
l^achor, liyed. 

2. When Eliezer approached the city, he made the 
camels lie down by the wells, where the women were wont 
to draw water; then he prayed thus to the Lord: ^'^O 
Lord, this day come to my help and have mercy upon my 
master Abraham ! Soon the young women of this city 
will come forth to draw water ; grant, therefore, that the 
maid who shall say to me, ' Drink, and I will give thy 
camels also to drink,' may be, Lord, the same whom 
thou hast provided for thy servant, Isaac ! " 

3. Scarce had he finished, when there came from the 
city a young woman, named Eebecca, as modest as she 
was beautiful. On her shoulders she carried a pitcher. 
When she had filled it, Eliezer said to her, " Give me to 
drink." She answered, ^^ Drink," and kindly offered him 
her pitcher. Then she said, "1 will also draw water for 
your camels." 

4. When the servant heard this, he stood awhile in 
silent amazement, watching till she had given the camels 
to drink ; then he gave her ear-rings and golden bracelets, 
and asked whose daughter she was, and whether there was 

Questions to Chapter 12.— Who was bora ? How did God test Abraham's 
faith ? What did Isaac remark ? What did Abraham do ? How was Isaac saved ? 
What promises did God make ? 



ESAU AKD JACOB. 25 

room in her father's house for him to lodge. In answer, 
she told him she was the daughter of Bathuel, the son of 
Nachor, and* moreover, there was room at her father's, 
together with plenty of straw and hay. When Eliezer 
heard this, he adored God, who had brought his journey 
to so successful an end. 

5. He then went to Bathuel's house, but would neither 
eat nor drink till he had deliyered his message. When 
they all heard for what he had come, and what had hap- 
pened, Laban, Rebecca's brother, as also Bathuel, her 
father, said : " God had dn^ected all these events, and that 
he should take Rebecca with him." 

6. Then Eliezer again adored God, and, bringing forth 
vessels of silver and gold, and rich garments, gave them 
to Rebecca. He also gave presents to her mother and her 
brothers. A banquet was prepared ; they eat, drank, 
and made merry. In the morning, Rebecca's parents and 
her brothers blessed her, and she left her father's home to 
become the wife of Isaac. 

Abraham lived to the advanced age of a hundred and 
seventy-five years. God blessed him in all his works, and 
he died full of grace and virtues. 



A. M. 2168.] 14. — Esau and Jacob. [a. c. 1832. 

1. For twenty years Isaac and Rebecca lived together 
before God blessed them with children. They prayed to 
the Lord, and He gave them two sons — Esau, the first 
born, and Jacob, the second. Esau was red and hairy, 
and rough in his manners ; but Jacob was smooth, and of 
a gentle disposition. Esau became a hunter and a hus- 
bandman, while Jacob was a shepherd. 

2. Isaac loved the bold and courageous Esau, and eat 

Questions to Chapter 13.— What did Abraham wish to choose ? Whom did 
he send ? What was Eliezer's prayer ? How did it turn out ? What did Eliezer 
give Rebecca ? What did she tell him ? Where did Eliezer go ? What happened ? 
Where did Rebecca go ? How old was Abraham when he died ? 

2 



26 



HISTOKY OF THE OLD TESTAMEI^T. 



with delight the game which he brought from the chase ; 
but Eebecca loved rather the smooth and gentle Jacob, 
because God had told her he would yet rule his elder 
brother. 

3. One day, Jacob had prepared a dish of lentil pottage, 
when Esau, who was returning from the chase, met him, 
and asked him for it. But Jacob refused, unless Esau 
would sell him his birthright. So Esau, thinking lightly 
of the matter, sold his birthright for a mess of pottage. 

This transfer of Esau's birthriglit to Jacob was syinbolical of the 
Jews, wlio, in the time of Christ, rejected the Gospel, and their 
rights were transferred to the Gentiles, who were chosen in their 
stead. 

4. When Isaac had grown old, and his eyes were dim, 
he one day called Esau to his bedside, and told him to go 
into the fields, and, when he had taken some game, to 
make him a savory dish, that he might bless him before 
he died. Eebecca overheard this conversation ; as soon as 
Esau had gone out she called Jacob, and bade him hasten 
and bring two kids, that she might prepare a dish for his 
father, that carrying it in, he might get his father's bless- 
ing instead of Esau. 

5. At first Jacob objected, lest his father would dis- 
cover the fraud, 
and thus, instead 
of a blessing, he 
would receive a 
curse. But Ee- 
becca overcame 
his objection, 
and, clothing 
him in the skin 
of a kid, sent 
him to his fa- 
ther. 

Isaac doubted, 
but calling Ja- 
cob to him, and touching him, he said : ''The voice is 




JACOB'S FLIGHT AND SOJOUKN WITH LABAllsT. 27 

the voice of Jacobs but the hands are the hands of Esau." 
So he eat, and blessed Jacob. 

6. Scarce had Jacob gone out, Avhen Esau entered with 
what he had caught in the chase. When Esau heard 
what had been done, he became very angry, accu sing- 
Jacob of having jBrst robbed him of his birthright, and 
now of his father's blessing. Erom that day, Esau hated 
Jacob, and threatened his life. Eebecca, seeing this, 
persuaded Jacob to go and stay for awhile at Haran, with 
her brother Laban, until Esau's anger would be appeased. 
Jacob consented, and immediately started on his Journey. 



A.M. 2245.] 15. — Jacob's Flight and Sojourn [a. c. 1755. 
with Laban. 

1. Night overtook Jacob on his journey. Wearied, he 
took a stone and placed it under his head whilst he slept. 
In his sleep, he saw a ladder, whose foot rested upon the 
earth and its top reached up to Heaven. He saw, besides, 
angels ascending and descending upon it, whilst the Lord 
leaned on its top. The Lord spoke to him and promised 
to give him, and his posterity after him, the land on which 
he then slept. 

2. When Jacob awoke, he took the stone on which he 
had slept and set it up for a title ; then he poured oil 
upon it and called the place Bethel, that is, the Jionse of 
God, Bethel is a figure of the Church, where Jesus Christ 
Himself dwells, and in which the angels, more effectually 
than by this mysterious ladder, carry our prayers to God 
and bring again His graces to us. 

3. Jacob continued his journey, and came to a well 
around which three flocks of sheep were lying. He asked 

Qtiestions to Chapter 14. — What sons had Jacob and Rebecca ? What was 
Esau ? What was Jacob ? What had Jacob prepared ? Who asked for it ? What 
did Jacob ask him to sell ? For what did Esau sell his birthright ? Of what is 
this transfei of the birthright a picture ? How did Jacob get his father's bless- 
ing ? What was Jacob's objection ? How did he succeed ? When Esau discov- 
ered the fraud, how did he act ? Where did Jacob go ? 



28 



HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



the shepherds if they knew Laban. They said they did^ 
and pointed to Eachel, his daughter, who was driving her ' 
flocks also to the well. When Jacob saw her, he hastened 
to take away the stone that coyered the well, and helped 
her to give drink to her flocks. He then told her who 
he was. 




4. When Eachel heard that he was her cousin, she ran 
home to tell her father, who came in haste to meet Jacob, 
and, embracing him, led him into his house. Jacob 
remained twenty j^ears with Laban, tending his flocks. 
In many ways, Laban strove to lessen Jacob's wages ; but 
as often as he strove to injure Jacob, God blessed him, 
until Jacob became immensely rich. In time, Jacob mar- 
ried Eachel, and also her sister, Lea. 



Questions to Chapter 15.— Describe Jacob's ladder? What did God prom- 
ise ? What does Bethel mean ? What is said of Bethel and the Church ? Whom 
did Jacob meet at the well ? What happened ? How long did Jacob serve Laban ? 
Whom did he marry ? 



Jacob's returi^. 39 

A. M. 2265.] 16. — Jacob's Return. [a. c nas. 

1. Owing to Jacob's great wealth, Laban became ex- 
tremely jealous of him. At the command of God, Jacob 
gathered together all his servants, and his flocks of sheep, 
and of goats, and of camels, and of asses, and went into 
his own country. When he arrived at the banks of the 
Jordan, a river that marks the limits of Chanaan, he 
began to fear the former anger of Esau. He then sent 
messengers to make peace with him ; but, without giving 
an answer, Esau came to meet his brother, accompanied 
by four hundred men. 

2. When Jacob heard this, he was much alarmed, and 
prayed God to deliver him out of his brother's hands. 
During the night, an angel appeared to him and wrestled 
with him till the morning Before the angel left him, he 
changed his name from Jacob to Israel, that is to say, 
strong against God, 

3. This contest of the angel with Jacob is a lively figure of the 
Church. Pagan emperors, heresiarchs. and, above all, hell, have 
made constant war against her : but as Jacob was not overcome by 
the angel, neither has the Church been overcome, nor shall she be 
to the end of time. 

4. In the morning, Jacob saw Esau coming towards 
him. He hastened to divide his children, and his ser- 
vants, and his flocks, into two companies ; then, advancing 
to meet Esau, bowed himself seven times before him. The 
brothers embraced and wept for joy ; Jacob's children, 
also advancing, bowed themselves before Esau. 

5. After a short delay the brothers parted, and Jacob 
pursued his journey: penetrated with a lively sense of the 
divine protection, he came into the land of Chanaan. 
When his old father saw him, he was much rejoiced, and 
gave God thanks that his son had returned. Isaac died at 
the advanced age of a hundred and eighty years, and was 
buried by his sons, Esau and Jacob. 

Questions to Chapter 16.— How did Laban act towards Jacob ? What did 
Jacob gather together ? What happened at the Jordan ? With whom did Jacob 
wrestle ? What does Israel mean ? How is Jacob's contest a figure of the 
Church ? How did Esau and Jacob meet ? How old was Isaac when he died? 



30 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMEiq^T. 

17.— Joseph in his Father^s House. 

1. Jacob had twelve sons, of whom Joseph was the best. 
His father loved him above all his brothers ; and when 
they saw the coat of many colors, which his father made 
for him, they were filled with rage and envy. One day, 
while they were tending their flocks, his brothers com- 
mitted a grievous fault. Joseph told his father, and by 
this only the more were his brothers enraged against him. 

2. On another occasion, Joseph told his brothers a 
dream he had had. He appeared, he said, to be binding 
sheaves with them in the field, when suddenly his sheaf 
rose up, and theirs, standing round about, bowed down to 
his. His brothers asked him, ^^ If he wished to be their 
king ? " So they only hated him the more. 

3. Joseph had another dream, in which the sun and 
the moon and eleven stars seemed to worship him. This 
time his father asked him: ^^ Whether he expected that 
he and his mother and his brothers should worship him ?" 
But then, reflecting upon the whole matter, Jacob thought 
God might have great things in store for his son. 



AM. 2286] 18.— Joseph Sold into Egypt. [a. c. nu. 

1. Some time after this, Jacob sent Joseph to see his 
brothers, who were feeding their flocks at Sichem, that he 
might bring him back word how they were. * But when 
the brothers saw Joseph coming to them, they determined 
to kill him and cast him into a pit that was near by. 
When Ruben, the eldest brother, heard this cruelty of his 
brothers, he persuaded them to let him down alive into 
an empty cistern that was there. This he did hoping he 
might rescue the boy out of their hands. 

2. As soon as Joseph arrived, he was stripped of his 

Questions to Chapter 17 —What is said of Joseph? Why did his brothers 
hate him ? What were his dreams ? 



JOSEPH SOLD INTO EGYPT. 



31 



coat of many colors and cast into the empty cistern. 
Whilst his brothers were eating, they saw some Ismaelite 
merchants passing on their way to Egypt, their camels 
carrying their merchandise. Then Jiida advised his 
brothers not to kill Joseph — for he was their brother — 
and it would be better to sell him ; so they drew him out 
of the cistern and sold him to the Ismaelites for twenty 
pieces of silver. 




3. Kuben was absent when Joseph was sold, and, return- 
ing shortly after, sought the bo}-, and, not finding him, 
went, in much trouble, to the others to know what they 
had done with him ; but they were indifferent to his 
inquiries. 

Then the brothers killed a kid, and, dipping Joseph's 
coat in its blood, sent it to their father, pretending they 
had found it. Jacob knew the coat at once, and con- 
cluded a wild beast had killed his son. Rending his 
garments, and, putting on sackcloth, he would not be 
comforted. 



32 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

4. In many respects, Joseph's life was a picture of the life of 
Jesus Christ. Joseph was hated by his brothers because of his great 
virtues ; Jesus was hated for his doctrines and the prophecies that 
foretold his greatness. Joseph was betrayed, sold, and calumniated ; 
so was Christ. Joseph triumphed in the end ; so did Jesus Christ. 
Joseph was made governor over Egypt ; Jesus is King of Heaven 
and earth. Joseph saved his brothers ; Jesus Christ redeemed and 
saved mankind. 



A. M. 2287.] 19.— Joseph in the House of [a. cms. 

Putiphar. 

1. When the Ismaelites came into Egypt^ they sold 
Joseph to Putiphar^ the chief officer in Pharaohs army. 
God was with Joseph, so that whatever he undertook 
succeeded. Soon he was placed in charge of Putiphar's 
house. 

2. After some time, Putiphar's wife strove to persuade 
him to commit a grievous sin, but he would not. How- 
eve*r, she continued to press her wishes, until one day, 
when she was more pressing than usual, Joseph fled, 
leaving his cloak m her hands. 

3. Finding she could not succeed, her love was turned 
into hatred, and, seeing Joseph's cloak in her hands, 
resolved to ruin the innocent young man. Then, with 
well-affected horror, she began to cry out against Joseph ; 
and when Putiphar came home, repeated her falsehoods 
and calumnies. Her husband believed her story, and, 
seeing the cloak, became very angry, and cast Joseph into 
prison. 

Questions to Chapter 18.— Where was Joseph sent ? What did his brothers 
propose ? What did Ruben say ? What was done with Joseph ? To whom was 
Joseph sold? For how much? How did Ruben act? What was done with 
Joseph's coat ? How did Jacob act when he saw the coat? How was Joseph's 
life a picture of the life of Jesus Christ ? 

Questions to Chapter 19.— To whom was Joseph sold? How did Putiphar* s 
\vife act ? Who cast Joseph into prison ? 



JOSEPH i:^ PRisoi^. 33 



A. M. 2287.] 20.— Joseph in Prison. [a. cms. 

1. Joseph soon found favor with the keeper of the 
prison. Here, as before with Putiphar's house, Joseph 
was placed m charge of the other prisoners. Two of 
Pharao's officers, the cup-bearer and chief baker, were 
also cast into prison. 

2. On the same night they had each a dream that made 
them very sad. In the morning, Joseph noticed their 
sorrow, and, asking why, they told him of their dreams, 
and that no one could interpret them. Joseph bade them 
tell them to him. 

3. The cup-bearer said : '' I saw before me three branches 
of a vine, which, by degrees, grew and blossomed, and at 
length brought forth grapes. I took the grapes and 
pressed them into the king's cup, and gave him to drink/' 
When Joseph heard this, he answered : ^^ The three 
branches are yet three days, when the king will restore 
you to your former dignity, and you shall present the 
cup as heretofore. Eemember me, and speak to the king 
for me, for, though cast into prison, T am innocent." 

4. Then the chief baker said : ^'I carried on my head 
three baskets of meal. In the uppermost were all kinds 
of pastry, of which the birds came and eat." Joseph 
answered : ^^The three baskets are three days, when the 
king shall cut off your head, and hang your body on a 
gibbet, where the birds shall eat your flesh." 

5. Three days after, every thing happened as Joseph 
had foretold : the king restored the cujD-bearer, and he 
presented the cup as before, but the baker he hanged on 
a gibbet. The cup-bearer, however, in his prosperity, 
forgot Joseph. 

Questions to Chapter 20. — What position did Joseph hold in the prison ? 
-What happened there? What was the cup-bearer's dream? What was the 
baker's ? How were they fulfilled ? Whom did the cup-bearer forget ? 



34 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



A. M. 2289.] 21. — Joseph's Greatness. [a. c. nn. 

1. After two years, Pharao had a dream. He seemed 
to stand on the bank of the Nile, while seven fat kine 
came up and fed in the marshes ; then there came up 
seven other kine, lean and ill-favored, that devoured the 
fat kine. After this the king awoke. 



2. Pharao slept again, and dreamt another dream : he 
saw seven ears of corn, full and fair, growing upon one 
stalk ; then he saw seven other ears grow up, thin and 
blasted, and these eat up the first. So, Pharao awoke. 
In the morning, the king sent for all the wise men and 
soothsayers of Egjrpt, to whom he related his dreams, but 
no one could interpret them. 

3. Then the cup-bearer remembered Joseph, and told 
the king how, in prison, Joseph had interpreted both his 
and the chief baker's dream. Immediately Joseph was 
sent for. When the king related his dreams to him, 



JOSEPH'S BKETHKEK GO INTO EGYPT. 35 

Joseph told the king their interpretation depended not on 
him but on God. 

4. ^^This/' said Joseph, ^^is the interpretation of your 
dreams : The seven fat kine and the seven full ears are 
seven years of plenty ; the seven lean kine and the seven 
blasted ears are seven years of famine, which will follow 
and eat up all the abundance of the seven years of plenty. 
The famine shall be in all the land. Let, therefore, the 
king choose a wise man, and make him ruler over Egypt ; 
and let him, during the years of abundance, gather the 
crops into public granaries, that there maybe food against 
the seven years of famine." 

5. This counsel pleased Pharao, and, admiring the wis- 
dom and prudence that appeared in Joseph, he chose him. 
Then he took the ring from his own finger and put it 
upon Joseph's, and, putting upon him a silken robe, and 
round his neck a chain of gold, made him go up into his 
second chariot, while a herald went before, crying aloud : 
^^Let all the people bow their knee before Joseph, who is 
made governor of Egypt." Pharao also changed Joseph's 
name, and called him ^^ Savior of the luorld,''^ Joseph was 
then thirty years of age. 



A.M. 2296.] 22.— Joseph's Brethren go into [a. c. nw. 

Egypt. 

1. During the seven years of plenty, Joseph stored up 
great quantities of wheat. As he had foretold, the famine 
came, and the people demanded bread from the king ; but 
he sent them to Joseph, who opened the granaries and 
gave out wheat. 

2. The famine passed also into the land of Chanaan. 
Jacob, hearing there w^as wheat in Egypt, sent ten of his 
sons thither, that they might buy ; but Benjamin, the 

Questions to Chapter 21.— What was Pharao's first dream? What his 
second ? • WTio could not interpret the dreams ? Who could ? What was the 
interpretation of the dreams ? Who was made governor of Egypt ? What was 
Joseph called ? 



36 HISTOKY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

youngest, he kept at home, lest any harm should befall 
him on the way. In time the brothers arrived in Egypt, 
and, coming to Joseph, humbly bowed themselves before 
him. He knew them, but they did not know him. 

3. Joseph began to charge them with being spies, but 
they declared their innocence, and how they had come 
only to buy wheat. They also told him that, originally, 
they were twelve brothers ; that the youngest was at home 
with their father, but the other was not living. Joseph, 
that he might further try them, threatened to cast one of 
them into prison, until the others should return and 
bring their younger brother, that he might see if they 
were men of truth or no. 

4. When the brothers saw themselves so harshly treated, 
they began to speak one to the other, not thinking that 
Joseph understood what they said, as he had spoken to 
them only through an interpreter. In their trouble, they 
remembered how they had treated him, and acknowledged 
that their present treatment was a just punishment for 
their former cruelty to their younger brother. When 
Joseph heard this, going out, he wept. 

5. Then Simon was cast into prison, while the sacks of 
the others were filled with corn, and their money put 
secretly in each man's sack ; provisions were also given 
them for the journey. When all was ready, the brothers 
loaded their asses, and went their way. 

6. Coming to their father, they told him all that had 
happened : and, emptying their sacks, each found the 
price of his corn. Great fear came upon them. When 
Jacob heard what had happened, he began to lament his 
sad lot — ^^liow they would rob him of his children ; Joseph 
was not, Simon was a prisoner, and now they would take 
Benjamin away. 

Questions to Chapter 22.— After seven years, what happened? What did 
Joseph give the people ? What did Jacob do ? Who was kept at home ? How 
did the brothers appear before Joseph ? What did they tell him ? What did 
Joseph threaten ? What did the brothers say to each other ? What did Joseph 
do ? Who was cast into prison ? What was done to the others ? What did they 
tell their father ? What was found in each man's sack ? How did Jacob act ? 



JOSEPH'S SILVER CUP. 37 

A.M. 2297.] 23.— Benjamin goes down to [a. c. nos. 

Egypt. 

1. When their wheat was all eaten, Jacob ordered his 
sons to go again into Egypt ; but Juda said it was useless, 
unless they took Benjamin with them. After considering 
the matter well, Jacob at length consented. Taking with 
them Benjamin, and double money, they started again. 

2. When they arrived in Egypt, and Joseph saw Ben- 
jamin, he commanded his steward to bring them into the 
palace, that they might dine with him. The steward did 
as he was ordered. They, seeing what was done, became 
frightened, and began to think it was because of the 
money they had found in their sacks ; but the steward 
told them to fear not, and, going, brought Simon to 
them. 

3. When Joseph came in to see them, they bowed- down 
before him, and presented the gifts they had brought. 
He saluted them kindly, and asked for their father ; if he 
yet lived, and if he were well. Having answered him, he 
turned to Benjamin, and, blessing him, went out and, 
for joy, wept. 

4. Washing his face, he returned and ordered dinner. 
When he seated them each in the order of his age, they 
wondered exceedingly. To each he gave a share, but 
Benjamin's was five times larger than that of any other. 
So they eat and drank and made merry with Joseph. 



24. — Joseph's Silver Cup. 

1. Joseph would again prove his brothers, to see if they 
were as jealous and hard-hearted toward Benjamin as they 

Questions to Chapter 23.— What did Jacob order ? What at first did Jacob 
refuse ? When they arrived in Egypt, what did Joseph command ? How did the 
brothers feel ? How did Joseph receive them ? How did Joseph act toward Ben- 
jamin ? How did Joseph seat his brothers ? Whose share was the greatest ? 
How did the brothers act ? 



38 



HISTOKY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



had been to himself ; so, when the feast was ended, he 
bade his steward fill their sacks with corn, to put each 
man's money back into his sack, and his own silver cup 
into the sack of the youngest. The order was obeyed, and 
in the morning they departed. 




2. But scarce were they gone, when Joseph sent his 
steward after them, charging them with returning eyil 
for good, in having stolen his master's silver cup. When 
the sons of Jacob heard the accusation, they were over- 
whelmed with fear, and declared that with whomsoever 
the cup would be found, he should die. Hastening, they 
opened their sacks, and the cup was found in Benjamin's. 
Confounded, they gazed on each other, and, rending their 
garments, returned to Joseph. 

3. They cast themselves at his feet, and Juda, in their 
name, said they had no excuse to make ; that they were 
thus justly punished for their sins ; and that hereafter 
they would be his slaves. Joseph, however, declared that 
only he with whom the cup had been found should be his 
slave ; the others would be free to 2:0. 



JACOB GOES DOWlSr TO EGYPT. 39 

4. When Juda heard this, he drew near to Joseph and 
told him how much it had cost their father to let Benja- 
min go, how he had pledged himself for the return of the 
boy; and how, if they returned without Benjamin, he 
feared it would kill their aged father ; then Juda offered 
himself to be slave, instead of his younger brother Ben- 
jamin. 

5. Joseph could no longer restrain himself, but, bursting 
into tears, said to his brothers: ^^I am Joseph." They 
could not answer him, so great was their fear; but he 
spoke kindly to them, assuring them that all they had 
done to him had been directed by God. Then he asked 
how his father was, and commanded his brothers to hasten 
and tell him of his son's glory ; to come down to Egypt, 
for there were yet flve years of famine. 

When Pharao heard the news, he promised to give Jacob 
of the fat of Egypt. Then Joseph dismissed his brothers, 
sending with them chariots and provisions, costly robes 
and silver. 



A. M. ms.\ 25.— Jacob goes down to Egypt, [a. c. 1702. 

1. When Joseph's brothers came to their father and 
told him the news — how his son yet lived, and was gov- 
ernor of Egypt — Jacob awoke as from a dream. At first 
he could not believe what he heard, but when he saw the 
chariots of the king, and received the rich presents sent 
by his son, his spirits revived, and he was satisfied, now 
that Joseph lived, to go down to Egypt, that he might see 
him before he died. 

2. Jacob gathered together all his possessions and, 
accompanied by his sons, and their wives, and their 

Questions to Chapter 24. — What is said of Joseph's silver cup ? What did 
the brothers say ? In whose sack was the cup found ? What did Juda offer ? 
What message did Joseph send his father ? 



40 



HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



children — in all, to the number of seventy — began his 
journey. When he came to the borders of the land of 
Ohanaan, the Lord appeared to him and told him to fear 
nothing, for He would go down with himx, and would yet 
make of him a great nation, and in time would bring him 
back again. 




3. Juda went on before to tell Joseph that his father 
was coming. Joseph hastened to meet his father, and, 
seeing him, fell upon his neck, and wept. ^^ Now I die 
in peace," said Jacob, ^^ since I see your face." 

In the same manner spoke the aged Simeon, seventeen 
hundred years afterwards, when, in the temple of Jerusa- 
lem, he saw the true Joseph, Jesus Christ, the Savior of 
the world. 

4. AVhen Joseph presented his father to the king, he 
asked him his age. The old man said : ^^I am a hundred 
and thirty years of age; yet I am not as old as my 
fathers." 



I 



DEATH OF JACOB AKD JOSEPH. 41 

Joseph gave his father and his brethren possessions in 
Gessen, because there was there great abundance of grass 
for their flocks. 



A. M. 2315 ] 26. — The Death of Jacob and [a. c. less. 

Joseph. 

1. Seventeen years after his arrival in Egypt, Jacob fell 
sick. When Joseph heard this, he took his two sons, 
Ephraim and Manasses, and hastened to visit his father. 
When Jacob saw the two boys, he blessed them. 

2. Then he called together his sons, and told them God 
would yet lead them back to their own country : but he 
charged them to bury him in the land of Chanaan. Then 
he blessed them, foretelling what would happen in the 
latter days. 

To Juda he gave the greatest blessing, saying : ^^ You 
shall rule over your enemies ; the sons of your father shall 
bow down to you, and the scepter shall not pass from 
Juda till He cometh that is to be sent, ^ the Expectation 
of Nations, ' " 

3. Tliis celebrated propliecy, that so clearly marked tlie time 
when the Messiah would come, was accomplished when Herod, 
the first stranger, ruled over Judea. In him the scepter passed 
from Juda. 

4. When Jacob was dead, Joseph threw himself on his 
father's face, weeping and kissing him. Then he ordered 
the physicians to embalm the body, and when, according to 
the custom of the Egyptians, he had mourned for seventy 
days, he, with his brothers and an immense multitude, 
carried the body into the land of Chanaan. Thus was 
Jacob buried at Hebron. 



Questions to Chapter 25.— How did Jacob act when he heard Joseph was 
alive ? What did Jacob gather together ? Who appeared to him ? What did the 
Lord tell him ? Who told Joseph his father was coming ? Describe the meeting 
of Joseph and Jacob ? What is said of Simeon ? How old was Jacob when he 
went into Egypt ? 



42 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

A. M. 2369.] 5. Joseph lived to the age of a [a. c. mi 

hundred and ten years, and saw his children's children 
to the third generation. When he saw his end drawing 
near, he called his brothers to him, and told them they 
would have trouble after his death : to fear nothing, how- 
ever, as God would surely lead them back to the land he 
had promised to their forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and 
Jacob. Then, having charged them to take his bones up 
with them, he died, and his body was embalmed and laid 
in a coflBn. 



27. — The Patience of Job. 

1. Contemporary with the Patriarchs, there lived in 
Arabia a man named Job. He had seven sons and three 
daughters ; for possessions he had seven thousand sheep, 
three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, and 
five hundred asses, besides many servants. He was much 
esteemed on account of his great wealth, but much more 
so for his piety. 

2. On a certain day God said to Satan: ^^Have you 
considered my servant Job, how there is none like to him 
on the whole earth ? " Satan replied that it was easy for 
Job to serve God, that he was rich and blessed in all his 
actions; but, however, ^^ Touch him,'^ said Satan, "^^and 
he will curse you and abandon you." God gave Satan 
permissidn, only not to touch his person. 

3. Soon after this, while the sons and daughters of Job 
were eating and drinking together in the house of their 
eldest brother, there came a messenger to Job to tell him 
how the Sabeans had taken his oxen and his asses, and 
slain his servants. The messenger had hardly finished, 
when there came another, telling how fire had fallen from 

Questions to Chapter 26.— How many years after his arrival when Jacob 
fell sick ? What were the names of Joseph's sons ? What did Jacob do before 
he died ? What prophecy was given to Juda ? When was this prophecy fulfilled ? 
What was done with Jacob's body ? When was he buried ? What did Joseph 
foretell ? What was done with his body ? 



THE PATIEi^CE OF JOB. 



43 



heaven and consumed his sheep and his shepherds. There 
came still a third, saying the Caldeans had taken his 
camels and slam his servants. And while he was yet 
speaking, there came a fourth with the sad news that the 
house, in which his children were feasting, had been 
blown down by a wind, and all were killed. 

4. When Job heard these things, rising up, he rent his 
garments, and, falling down, adored God. ^*The Lord 
gave, and the Lord hath taken away," said he; ^^ blessed 
be the name of the Lord.'' So Job sinned not, and God 
rejoiced in his servant. 

5. Satan again appeared before the Lord and said, if 
God would but touch Job's person. He would see Job 
would curse Him. God put Job in Satan's power. Then 
Satan struck Job with a grievous ulcer, so that he was 
covered with sores from the crown of his head to the sole 
of his foot. Job scraped his sores with a potsherd. 

6. Job's wife seeing this, came and upbraided him for 
his folly. But Job answered : '^^ If we have received good 
from the hand of God, why will we not receive evil ? " 
So again Job sinned not. 

7. When Job's ^-,: -^^-^ 
friends heard 
what had befallen 
him, three of them 
came to condole 
with him. Seeing 
him, they wept, 
and, sitting down, 
for seven days 
and seven nights 
no one spoke, for 
they saw how 
great was his 
grief. 

8. At length Job opened his mouth and began to 
lament his sufferings ; but his friends only reproached 
him with his faults. Job would not confess that he was 




44 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

guilty^ but stoutly maintained his innocence and his con- 
fidence in God. 

9. This confidence was not misplaced, for Job was de- 
livered from his afflictions, and had possessions twice as 
great as before. Again, he had seven sons and three 
daughters, and after this lived a hundred and forty years, 
and saw his children's children to the fourth generation. 
He died an old man, full of joy and happiness. 

10. Job is a figure of Jesus Christ, wlio, bruised from the top of 
bis bead to tbe sole of bis foot, and scorned as a man covered with 
iniquities, complained not. We see also in Job's case bow far some- 
times God permits tbe devil to exercise bis powers. 

END OF THE SECOND AGE. 

Names and Ages of the Patriarchs from Noe to Moses : 



A. M. 

Born, Died. Age. 

1. Thare . . 1878 2083 205 

2. Abraham . 2008 2183 175 

3. Isaac . . 2108 2288 180 



A.M. 

Born. Died. Age. 

4. Jacob . .2168 2315 147 

5. Levi . . 2255 2392 137 

6. Moses . . 2433 2553 130 



— -^0)^ — ■ 

AGE III. 
FROM MOSES TO DAVID. 



A. M. 2433.] 28.— The Birth of Moses. [a. c. i567. 

1. In Egypt the posterity of Jacob rapidly increased, 
and soon became a great people. In the meantime other 
kings arose, who knew not Joseph, and, seeing how great 

Questions to Chapter 27.— What is said of Job? What did God say to 
Satan ? What did Satan say to God ? Who were eating and drinking ? What 
did the first messenger tell Job ? What the second ? Third ? And fourth ? What 
did Job say ? What power did God give Satan the second time ? With what was 
Job struck? What did Job answer his wife ? Who came to see Job ? What did 
they do ? What did Job maintain ? What reward did Job receive for his 
patience ? Of whom was Job a figure ? How ? 



THE BIRTH OF MOSES. 



45 



the Israelites had become, began to fear them ; so they 
oppressed the children of Jacob, put heavy burdens upon 
them, and finally ordered the Egyptian midwives to cast 
into the Nile all the male children that would be born 
among the Hebrews. 

2. One of the Hebrew women bore a son, whom she 
loved most tenderly. For three months she hid him ; 
but, finding it impossible to conceal him any longer, she 
made a basket of bulrushes, and, smearing it with pitch. 




laid the child in it, and placed the basket among the 
sedges by the bank of the river. Then she sent his sister 
to watch what would come to pass. 

3. By the direction of God, Pharao's daughter came 
down to the river to wash herself, and, seeing the basket, 
sent her maid to bring it. When she opened it and saw 
the child, she knew it belonged to one of the Hebrew 
women. The sister approaching, Pharao's daughter sent 
her to bring a nurse. She ran and brought the mother. 
Pharao's daughter gave her the child to nurse, and, when 



46 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. . 

he was grown up^ adopted liim^ calling him Moses, that is, 
saved from the boaters. 

4. Moses was a figure of Jesus Christ. Moses was saved from 
tlie river ; Jesus, from Herod. Moses, when young, was wise in 
words and powerful in deeds ; so also Christ, who, at the age of 
twelve, was the wonder of priest and doctors. Moses divided the 
waters of the sea ; Christ calmed the winds and the storms. Moses 
led the way to the promised land ; Christ is the way to heaven. 

5. Moses, amid great miracles, gave the Old Law to the Jews ; 
Christ, with the most stupendous miracles, gave the New Law to 
the world. Moses abolished idolatory among the Jews ; Christ, in 
the world. Moses gave civil liberty to the Jews ; Christ, spiritual 
liberty to mankind. 

6. Moses fasted forty days on the mountain ; Christ fasted forty 
days in the desert. Moses descended from the mountain with bis 
face transfigured ; Christ was transfigured on the mountain. In the 
desert, Moses fed the people with manna ; Christ feeds the world 
with His own body and blood. Moses confirmed the Old Law with 
the blood of bullocks ; Christ sealed the New Law with His own 
blood. 



A. M. 2513.] 29.— The Call of Moses. [a. c. us?. 

1. When Moses attained his fortieth year, he resolved 
to share the miseries of his people. By his vigorous 
defense of the Hebrews against the cruelty of the Egyp- 
tians, he incurred the displeasure of the king, who resolved 
to put him to death ; but Moses fled to Madian, in Arabia, 
w^here he lived for forty years, tending the flocks of his 
father-in-law, Jethro, a priest of that country. 

2. One day, when Moses had led his flock to the moun- 
tain of Horeb, God appeared to him in the midst of a 
burning tush. Moses was much astonished that the bush 
was not consumed, and approached to see what it could 
mean ; but God commanded him to stand still and take 

Questions to Chapter 28.— What is said of Jacob's posterity? How did the 
kings of Egypt treat them ? What order was given to the midwives ? Tell the 
story of the birth of Moses and how he was saved. What does Moses mean ? 
Tell how Moses was a figure of Jesus Christ. 



THE TEIS^ PLAGUES OF EGYPT. 47 

off his shoes, for the place was holy. At the voice of God, 
Moses fell on his face. 

3. Then God told him how He had seen the afflictions 
of the Hebrews, and that He was about to deliver them : 
besides, He had chosen him to lead the people out of 
Egypt. At first, Moses objected, alleging his weakness 
and slowness of speech ; but God promised to be with 
him, and gave him Aaron, his brother, as spokesman. 

4. Then Moses returned to Egypt and Aaron with him, 
and, assembling the people of Israel, Aaron spoke to 
them all the Lord had commanded. When Moses had 
wrought miracles before the people, they believed and 
adored God. 



A.M. 2513.] 30.— The Ten Plagues of Egypt, [a. c.us?. 

1. Moses and Aaron were both about eighty years of 
age when they first presented themselves before Pharao, 
and commanded him to let the Israelites go into the 
desert to sacrifice to the Lord. But Pharao refused, and 
commanded the Israelites to be oppressed more and more. 
Their tasks were also increased. 

2. Again Moses and Aaron presented themselves before 
Pharao. At the command of God, Aaron cast his rod 
before the king, and immediately it was changed into a' 
serpent. Pharao only the more hardened his heart and 
would not let the people go. Then God sent ten plagues 
upon Pharao and his people. 

3. For the first, Aaron struck the Nile with his rod, 
and its waters were changed into blood, and corrupted. 
After seven days, he again stretched his hand over the 
waters of Egypt, and there came up frogs that covered 

Questions to Chapter 29. — How old was Moses when he resolved to join 
his people ? Whose anger did he excite ? Where did he flee ? Whose flocks did 
he keep ? In what did God appear to Moses ? What did God command him to 
do ? Who was given as spokesman ? Where did Moses and Aaron go ? 



48 



HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



the whole land. Then, in turn, the dust of the earth was 
turned into flies and insects, that tormented both man 
and beast. 

4. In quick succession, there followed a murrain amongst 
the cattle, and boils and swellings upon man and beast. 
For the seventh plague, God sent thunder, and hail, and 




lightning, running along the ground. After this was 
added the plague of locusts to eat up what the hail had 
spared; and, at last, impenetrable darkness covered the 
land. 

But Pharao hardened his heart and would not let 
the people go as the Lord commanded ; so God struck 
him with a tenth plague more terrible than all the 
rest. 



Questions to Chapter 30.— How old were Moses and Aaron when they went 
to Pharao ? What did they ask of him ? What did Pharao do ? What was done 
the second time Moses presented himself to Pharao ? What was the first plague ? 
What was the second, third, etc. ? Did Pharao let the people go ? 



THE DEATH OF THE FIKST-BOEN, ETC. 



49 



A.M. 2513.] 31.— The Death of the First-born — [a. c. im. 
The Paschal Lamb— The Departure from Egypt. 

1. Before God sent his tenth plague, He wished to 
prepare the Israelites for it. Each family was therefore 
commanded by Moses and Aaron to prepare a lamb with- 
out blemish, and, on the fourteenth day of the month, 
to sacrifice it, and to sprinkle their door-posts with its 
blood. They were f ai:ther required to roast the lamb at 




the fire, and whilst, with unleavened bread and wild 
lettuce, they eat its flesh, to stand with their loins girt, 
and staves in their hands. The Israelites did all they 
were commanded. 

2. About the middle of the night, the angel of the Lord 
struck all the first-born of Egypt, even from the first-born 
of Pharao to the humblest of the land : no family escaped. 
But the angel, seeing the blood on the door-posts of the 
Israelites, spared them. 



50 HISTOKY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

3. When Pharao saw this^ he rose up and, calling Moses 
and Aaron, commanded them to go forth and to take the 
Israelites with them. The Egyptians also pressed them to 
go, fearing lest all would die. The Israelites went forth 
from Egypt, two hundred and fifteen years after Jacob 
had gone thither, to the number of six hundred thousand 
men, besides women and children. They carried with them 
the bones of Joseph. 

4. The Paschal Lamb was a figure of Jesus Christ, the Lamb 
of God, who was offered on the cross. By his blood we also are 
marked and delivered from eternal death. The deliverance of the 
Israelites from the bondage of Egypt is also a figure of man's 
delivery from the bondage of sin and hell. 



A. M. 2513.] 32. — The Passage of the Red Sea. [a c. im. 

1. God became the guide of the Israelites, leading them 
on their way by a cloud in the day^ and a pillar of fire in 
the night. In a few days they came to the Ked Sea. 
Meanwhile Pharao repented that he had let the Israelites 
go, and resolved to gather together his horses and chariots 
and pursue them. When the Israelites saw the Egyptians 
behind them, and the sea before them, they were seized 
with great fear. But Moses encouraged them, and assured 
them the Lord would fight for them. 

2. The cloud that had gone before the Israelites now 
went behind them, and became a wall of separation 
between the Egyptians and the Israelites. On the side 
of the former it was dark, but on the side of the latter it 
shone with a clear light. Thus the two armies were sepa- 
rated during the night. By command of God, Moses 

Questions to Chapter 31.— What did God command the Israelites to eat? 
How was the Paschal Lamb to be eaten ? With what were the door-posts 
sprinkled ? What happened about the middle of the night ? Who were spared ? 
What did Pharao do? How long were the Israelites in Egypt? How many- 
entered Egypt ? How many left it ? Whose bones were carried out ? Of what 
was the Paschal Lamb a figure ? 



THE PASSAGE OF THE RED SEA. 



51 



stretched forth his rod over the sea, and the waters were 
divided, rising as a wall to the right and to the left. 

3. During the night the Israelites passed through on 
dry land. In the morning the Egyptians also followed, 
but, at the command of God, Moses again stretched forth 




his rod over the sea, and the waters returned to their 
place — Pharao and his whole army, his chariots and his 
horsemen, were swallowed up, so that not a single person 
escaped. 

4. Tlie cloud by day and tlie pillar of fire by niglit were a 
figure of Jesus Christ. He is the light, in which those who walk 
will not perish. The Eed Sea is also a figure of Baptism, since we 
must all receive it, if we will enter heaven. 



Questions to Chapter 32.— Who became the guide of the Israelites ? WTiat 
was in the day? What in the night? What did Pharao do? What became of 
the cloud? Tell how the Israelites passed the Red Sea? What happened to 
the Egyptians ? What was a figure of Jesus Christ ? How ? Of what was the 
Red Sea a figure ? How ? 



52 



HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



33.— The Quails, the Manna, and the Water in 
the Desert. 

1. When the Israelites came into the desert they could 
find no bread ; then they began to murmur against Moses^ 

and to wish for 
the flesh-pots 
of Egypt. God 
promised them 
flesh to the 
full^ and^ in 
the morning, 
bread. In the 
evening there 
came into the 
camp an im- 
mense number 
of quails, which 
were easily 
caught, and in 
with small white 




the morning the 
seeds that ap- 
peared like 
hoar-frost. 
When the Isra- 
elites saw this, 
they cried out 
Man-hu ! that 
is. What is this? 
2. Then Mo- 
ses told them it 
was the bread 
which the Lord 
had sent them. 
They were com- 
manded to gath- 
er as much as 



desert was coyered 




each one needed. The people did so, 



THE TEN COMMA IITDMENTS. 53 

and found the taste thereof hke fine flour mixed with 
honey. 

3. For forty years God fed the Israelites with this bread, 
which was afterwards called Mamia, It fell no more 
after they came into the land of Chanaan. This manna 
was preeminently a figure of the Sacrament of the Altar, 
in which Jesus Christ gives himself under the appearance 
of bread and wine. 

4. Some time after this there was a scarcity of water, 
and the Israelites began again to murmur. God told 
Moses to take his rod, and to go to Mount Horeb and 
strike the rock. He did so, and immediately there came 
forth water in such abundance that the people quenched 
their thirst and were satisfied. 



34. — The Ten Commandments. 

1. Three months after their departure from Egypt, the 
Israelites came to Mount Sinai. God called Moses, and 
he went up into the mountain. Here the Lord spoke to 
him, and bade him remind the pe_ople of all He had already 
done for them, and how He would continue to protect 
them if they would be faithful to Him, and that He would 
make them a chosen people. When Moses descended from 
the mountain and told the people all the words of the 
Lord, they cried out : " We will do all the Lord hath 
spoken." 

2. Then God commanded the people to purify them- 
selves to-morrow and the next day, and to be ready for 
the third. On the morning of the third day it began to 
thunder and lighten ; a thick cloud covered the mountain. 
The top of Mount Sinai was on fire, and it shook to its 

Questions to Chapter 33. — In the desert what did the people do ? What 
did God send in the evening ? What in the morning ? What was the taste of the 
manna? How long did God feed the Israelites on manna? Of what was the 
manna a figure ? How did God supply water ? 



54 



HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



base. Then came the sound of a trumpet, that greAv 
louder and louder, until the people trembled with an 
exceeding great fear. 




3. When Moses had led the people to the foot of the 
mountain, the Lord spoke thus : 

I. I am the Lord thy God. Thou shalt not haye 

strange gods before Me. 
11. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy 
God in yain. 

III. Remember thou keep holy the Sabbath day. 

IV. Honor thy father and thy mother. 
V. Thou shalt not kill. 

VI. Thou shalt not commit adultery. 
VII. Thou shalt not steal. 

VIII. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy 
neighbor. 
IX. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife. 
X. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's goods. 



THE GOLDEN CALF. 55 

4. When the people, who Avere camped round about the 
mountain, heard these things, trembling with fear and 
full of reverence, they promised to do all the Lord com- 
manded them. Moses built an altar and offered sacrifice 
to the Lord. He took also of the blood of the victims 
and sprinkled it upon the people, as a sign of the covenant 
the Lord had that day made with them. 

5. As the covenant of the Old Law was established on Mount Sinai, 
so was the covenant of the New Law sealed on Calvary. There God 
showed His power ; here, His mercy. Both covenants were sealed 
with blood : at Sinai with the blood of bullocks ; on Calvary with 
the blood of Jesus Christ. 



35.— The Golden Calf. 

1. After this, Moses again went up into the mountain, 
and for forty days and forty nights remained conversing 
with God. The Lord gave him two tables of stone, on 
which were written the ten commandments. While Moses 
delayed on the mountain, the people began to murmur, 
and came to Aaron and demanded that he would make 
for them gods like to those of the Egyptians. Not think- 
ing they would comply with his command, he said to 
them: ^^ Bring me the golden ear-rings of your wives 
and daughters." 

2. Contrary to his expectations, they brought them, 
and, being a weak man, he had not courage to resist 
their wicked wish ; so he cast them into a furnace and 
made a golden calf, and built an altar. Then the Isra- 
elites gathered together and offered sacrifice, and, eating 
and drinking, rose up to play, after the manner of the 
Pagans. 

3. When Moses came down from the mountain and saw 

Questions to Chapter 34.— When did the people come to Sinai ? Who was 
called np to the mountain ? What did God tell Moses ? WTiat did the people 
say? What were the people commanded to do? What happened on the third 
day? Repeat the ten commandments. What did Moses offer? With what did 
he sprinkle the people ? What comparison between Sinai and Calvary ? 



56 



HISTOKT OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



these abominations, he was exceeding angry, and, throw- 
ing down the tables on which the ten commandments 

were written, 
broke them. 
Seizing upon 
the golden calf, 
he burned it, 
and beat it into 
powder. Then 
he commanded 
the sons of Levi 
to unsheath 
their swords ; to 
march through 
the camp and 
return, and to 
put to death all whom they met. There were slain on 
that day about twenty-three thousand men. 

4. Moses again returned to the Lord on the mountain, 
and prayed for the pardon of the people. The Lord heard 
his prayer. Moses hewed two tables of stone like the first, 
and God again wrote on them the ten commandments. 

5. AVhen Moses had finished speaking with the Lord, 
he descended from the mountain, carrying with him the 
two tables of the Law. His face had become horned, 
and shone as the rays of the sun. When the Israelites 
saw this, they dared not look upon him ; so Moses was 
forced to put a yeil on his face when he spoke to the 
people. 




36. — The Ordinances for the Worship of God. 

1. Besides the ten commandments which God gave 
Moses, He also gave many other ordinances. These latter 

Questions to Chapter 35.— How long did Moses remain on the mountain ? 
What did God give ? What did the people ask of Aaron ? What did he make ? 
What did the people do ? How did Moses act ? What were broken ? What did 
the sons of Levi do ? How many were killed ? Where did Moses go again ? 
What did he bring with him ? What appeared on the face of Moses ? 



THE ORDIN^AKCES FOR THE WORSHIP OF GOD. 57 

related to the public worship, which, with extreme care, 
Moses established according as God commanded him. 

2. TJie Tabernacle. — Moses began by constructing a 
tent, whose supports were made of setim-wood, and were so 
framed that they could easily be taken apart. The length 
of the tent was thirty cubits, and the height ten, and the 
breadth ten. The supports were overlaid with gold, and the 
whole was covered with most precious hangings. Within, 




hung a veil of magnificent tapestry, which divided the 
Tabernacle into two parts— the smaller, called the Holy 
of Holies ; the larger, the Sanctuary. 

3. Within the Holy of Holies was placed the Ark of 
the Covenant, a small box made of the most precious 
wood, overlaid with gold and surmounted by two cheru- 
bim. In the Ark were placed the two tables of the Law. 

Within the Sanctuary were kept three objects conse- 
crated to the worship of God : the Table of Show-bread, 
on which were placed twelve loaA^es of bread, made of the 
finest flour ; the Golden Candlestick, that, with its seven 



58 



HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMEKT. 



lights, shone during the entire night ; and, lastly, the 
Altar of Perfumes, on which was burned the finest 
incense. 

4. Besides this, Moses constructed around the Taber- 
nacle a grand portico which inclosed two other sacred 
objects : the Altar of Holocausts and the Great Brazen 
Basin, in which the priests were commanded to purify 
themselves before they performed any sacred function. 



II 




5. This Ark was a figure of the Tabernacle in Catholic churches ; 
the Holy of Holies, of the Altar on which is offered the sacrifice 
of the New Law ; the Sanctuary corresponded to the place the priests 
occupy ; and the portico represented the body of the Church, where 
the people now worship. 

6. The sacrifices of the Old Law were either Noody, in 
which were offered heifers, and sheep, and goats, and 
doves ; or unbloody, in which were offered cakes, and 
unleavened bread, and wine. 

The bloody sacrifices prefigured the bloody sacrifice of 
Christ upon the cross ; the unbloody were a type of the 
sacrifice of the Mass, 



THE FALSE MESSEiq"GERS, ETC. 59 

7. The Religious Feasts were : 1st. The Pasch, on 
which the Israelites eat the flesh of a Lamb, and for 
seven days unleavened bread, in remembrance of their 
deliverance out of Egypt : 2d. The feast of Pentecost, 
celebrated seven weeks after the Pasch, in remembrance 
of the Law received on Mount Sinai. At this feast were 
also offered the first fruits. 3d. The feast of Tabernacles, 
in memory of their long sojourn in the desert. During 
this feast the Israelites were required to live in tents made 
from the branches of trees. 4th. The feast of Expiation, 
on which the priest sacrificed a heifer for his own sins 
and a goat for the sins of the people. Then he entered 
into the Holy of Holies, carrying with him the golden 
censer and the blood of the victim : with the former he 
incensed the ark, with the latter he sprinkled the pave- 
ment. 

8. The Ministers of Divine Worship were, 1st. The 
High Priest, To this office Moses consecrated Aaron, 
anointing him, and clothing him with the various vest- 
ments of his office. 2d. The Priests proper, who were 
the sons of Aaron, and whose office it was to offer sacrifice. 
3d. The Levites, who were of the tribe of Levi, and who 
were charged with the lower offices within the tabernacle. 



A.M. 2514.] 37.— The False Messengers— The [a. c. im. 
Murmurs of the People — God's Chastisements. 

1. The Israelites remained a year at Mount Sinai. 
When they started on their way, Moses chose twelve 

QiTESTiONS TO CHAPTER 36.— What besides the Commandments did God give? 
Describe the Tabernacle. What was the Holy of Holies ? What was placed in it ? 
What was the Ark ? What three objects were kept within the Sanctuary ? Wkat 
did the portico inclose ? Show how these different objects con-espond to things 
in the Catholic Church. What kinds of sacrifices were in the Old Law ? What 
was the Pasch ? What was Pentecost ? What was the feast of Tabernacles ? 
Of Expiation ? Who was the High Priest ? Who were the Priests ? The 
Levites ? 



60 



HISTOEY OF THE OLD TESTAMElirr. 




men, among whom were Josue and Caleb, to go into the 

land of promise. After forty days, they returned, carrying 

with them spec- 
imens of the 
fruits of the 
country. A- 
mongst these 
was an enor- 
mous bunch of 
grapes borne on 
the shoulders of 
two men, be- 
sides apples, and 
pomegranates, 
and figs. The 
land, indeed, 

said they, overflowed with abundance, but the inhabitants 

were giants. 

2. Then the people wept, and again murmured against 
Moses and Aaron, wishing they had died in Egypt or in 
the desert. In yain did Josue and Caleb speak of the 
richness of the country and the weakness of the people. 
The multitijde, led on by the others, would not listen, 
but cried out the more to return to Egypt. 

3. When the murmur was at its height, the glory of 
God was seen oyer the ark of the covenant. Then the 
Lord said to Moses He would destroy the Israelites, for 
they were an incredulous people. The Lord even offered 
to make Moses ruler over a greater nation; but Moses, 
the meekest of men, only prayed the more that the Lord 
would pardon them. 

4. At his prayer the Lord again pardoned the people ; 
yet, as a punishment for their sin. He declared that not 
one of them, that had attained his twentieth year, should 
enter the promised land, Josue and Caleb excepted. Their 
children would enter, but for forty years should the peo- 
ple wander in the desert— a year for every day spent in 
exploring the country. 



COKE, DATHAN, AKD ABIRO:^^. 61 

5. This history of the Jews is similar to what happened 
in the time of Jesus Christ. The Jews would not under- 
stand the spiritual kingdom promised by Christ ; hence 
they rejected Him. On the cross He begged his Father 
to forgive them ; but, as a punishment for their sin in 
having rejected Him, they are to-day wanderers on the 
earth, and will be to the end of time. 



A. M. 2514.] 38.— Core, Dathan, and Abiron. [a. c. i486. 

1. Some time after the events related in the preceding 
chapter, two hundred and fifty Levites, led on by Core, 
Dathan, and Abiron, revolted against Moses and Aaron, 
denying their authority. On the following day, the Lord 
commanded the people to go out from the tents of these 
wicked men ; not to touch any thing belonging to them, 
lest they also would be involved in their sin. While the 
people were looking on to see what would come to pass, 
the earth opened under the feet of the three leaders and 
swallowed them down, with their tents and all their sub- 
stance. Then a fire came out from the Lord and con- 
sumed the two hundred and fifty Levites. Moses and 
Aaron were that day vindicated. 

2. In modern times we often see similar revolts against 
the priests of God. Ambitious and wicked men wish to 
rule the Church ; but, like Core and his companions, they 
will ever receive a just punishment for their pride and 
presumption. 

Questions to Chapter 37.— How long did the people remain at Sinai ? Who 
were sent to Chanaan ? What report did they bring back ? How did the people 
act? Who spoke in vain? What appeared over the ark? What did God 
Bay He would do ? What punishment did God decree ? What is said of the 
Jews? 

Questions to Chapter 38. —Who revolted? How were they punished? 
What do we see in modem times ? 



62 



HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



A. M 2552] 39.— The Hesitation of Moses, and [a. c. i448. 
the Brazen Serpent. 

1. Water again failed, and the people began to murmur. 
Then the Lord commanded Moses to take his rod and 
strike the rock. Moses, for a moment, doubted ; then 
struck the rock, when water gushed forth in great 
abundance. This momentary doubt greatly displeased 




God, and he declared that Moses, because he had not 
believed, should not lead the people into the promised 
land. 

2. Shortly after, the people rebelled again, and, mur- 
muring, complained they had neither food nor water. 
When God saw this, He sent among them fiery serpents, 
whose sting burned like fire. Many died amid the most 
cruel torments. When the people saw this, they came to 
Mosps, acknowledging their sin, and begging him to pray 



THE DEATH OF MOSES. 6b 

to the Lord that He would take the serpents from amongst 
them. 

3. Moses prayed, when the Lord commanded him to 
make a brazen serpent and to set it up for a sign. He did 
so, and as many as looked upon it were healed. 

4 This serpent prefigured our Savior nailed to the cross ; for as 
the Israelites were cured by looking upon the serpent, so are all, 
who, with faith, look up to Christ, cured of the wounds of sin 
caused by the bite of the infernal serpent. 



A.M. 2553.] 40. — The Death of Moses. [a. c. 1447. 

L When, according to the course of nature, the time 
came that Moses must die, the Lord commanded him, in 
the presence of the people, to put his hand upon Josue, 
that they might have no cause to disobey him. Then 
Moses told the people he was about to die ; that he would 
not pass over the Jordan with them, nor enter the prom- 
ised land. 

2. He then reminded them of all the Lord had done 
for them : how He had nourished them in the desert, and 
how He had watched over them ; then he commanded the 
people to keep the commandments, to love the Lord, and 
to hearken to His voice. He also foretold them, in a 
spirit of prophecy, that the Lord would in time raise up a 
Prophet like to him, whom they should hear. He spoke 
of Christ. 

3. When Moses had finished speaking, he went up to 
the top of Mount Nebo, from which the Lord showed 
him the land of Chanaan. When Moses saw it, he re- 
joiced ; and, full of gratitude and thanks to God, died at 
tlie ripe old age of a hundred and twenty years. The 
Lord buried him in the valley of Phogor, but the spot no 

Questions to Chapter 39.— What failed ? How was water supplied ? How 
did Moses act ? How did God punish him ? What did God send ? What hap- 
pened ? What was set up ? Of whoii ^7:?r the brazen serpent a figure ? 



64 



KISTOKY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



man knows. Israel mourned for him thirty days. There 
was never after a prophet like Moses. 



A. M. 2553.] 



41. — The Israelites enter the 
Promised Land. 



[a. C. 1447. 



1. After the death of Moses, the Lord commanded Josue 
to pass over the Jordan. The priests took the ark of the 
covenant and marched before, the people followed. When 
they were come to the banks of the Jordan, and the 




priests had touched the water with the soles of their feet, 
the waters above stood still, while the waters below ran 
down, leaving a dry passage for the people to pass over. 
2. When all had passed, the waters returned to their 

Questions to Chapter 40. — Who succeeded Moses? What did Moses re- 
mind the people of ? What prophecy did Moses make ? Where did Moses die ? 
Where was he buried ? 



THE JUDGES. 65 

usual course. The people encamped near Jericho, where 
they celebrated the feast of the Pasch. 

Jericho was a large and populous city, well fortified 
with walls. For six succeeding days the Israelites went 
round about it. On the seventh^ the priests carried with 
them the ark of the covenant, while seven priests sounded 
the trumpets of Jubilee ; and the people shouted with a 
great cry. All this was done by the command of God. 
At the sound of the trumpets and the shout of the people, 
the walls fell flat to the ground, and the Israelites entered 
and took the city. 

3. In time, Josue conquered all the country, and, by lot, 
divided it among the twelve tribes of Israel. Each tribe 
bore the name and was descended from one of the twelve 
sons of Jacob. Thus, after their long wanderings, had 
the Israelites arrived in the land of promise. 



42. — The Judges. 

1. Surely the Israelites owed a deep debt of gratitude 
to the Lord for the rich and magnificent country He had 
given them ; but they were an ungrateful people, and 
were easily led astray by their pagan neighbors. Sliortly 
after their arrival in the promised land, they fell into 
idolatry. In punishment for their crime, the Lord de- 
livered them into the hands of their enemies. Servitude 
taught them repentance and their dependence upon God. 
Having humbled themselves before Him, He sent pious 
men, called judges, selected from among the peoj)le, to 
deliver them and to rule them. 

2. Their repentance was but of short duration ; at the 
death of each judge they returned to their sins and 
idolatry. For four hundred years, this faithless and 
thankless people were in turn changing from God to the 

Questions to Chapter 41. — Who led the people over the Jordan? What 
happened ? What feast was celebrated ? What was Jericho ? How was it 
taken ? Who conquered Chanaan ? How was the land divided ? 



66 HISTOEY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

worship of idols— relapsing and repenting. The twelve 
judges sent during this time were : Othoniel, Aod, Samgar, 
Barac, Gedeon, Tholar, Jair, Jephte, Abesan, Ahialon. 
Abdon, Samson, Heli, and Samuel. 

3. Amongst these, Samson was one of the most remark- 
able. So great was his strength that, on one occasion, by 
the mere power of his hands, he tore a furious lion into 
pieces. On another, he slew a thousand men with the 
jaw-bone of an ass. After this, while asleep, he was made 
prisoner by the Philistines, and bound with seyen cords ; 
but, Adien he awoke, he broke them like burned flax. 

4. During his life, Samson waged a continual war upon 
the Philistines : at one time carrying away the gates of 
their city ; at another, burning their crops. At length 
he was made prisoner, and his eyes put out. While the 
Philistines were feasting and making merry over their 
victory, Samson was brought out to make sport for them. 
Wearied, he leaned against the jDillars that supported the 
house in which the Philistines were assembled ; then the 
Spirit of God came upon him, and, his strength returning, 
he shook the pillars, and the house fell, killing himself 
and three thousand of his enemies. 

The pious and humble Gedeon, who fought against the 
Madianites, was also very renowned. 



A.M. 2708.] 43. — The Pious Ruth. [a. c. 1292. 

1. During the time of the Judges, a certain man of 
Bethlehem went, with his wife and his two sons, into the 
land of Moab. His name was Elimelech, and his wife's 
name, Noemi. His sons married women of Moab. In 
time, Elimelech and his two sons died. Oppressed with 

Questions to Chapter 42.— What did the Israelites owe the Lord ? How did 
they act ? What punishment did God send ? Who were the judges ? How many 
were there ? What is said of Samson ? Give some examples of his strength. 
Against whom did he make war *> : : -- did he die ? 



THE PIOUS RUTH. 



67 




grief, Noemi returned to Bethlehem, and her two daugh- 
ters-in-law resolved to accompany her. 

2. When they had come some distance on the way, 
N e m i strove 
to persuade her 
daughters -in- 
law to return 
to their own 
country. Or- 
pha yielded, but 
Euth would 
not ; so Euth 
came to Bethle- 
hem with Noe- 
mi. They re- 
turned at the 
harvest time, 
and, being poor, 
Euth went into the fields to glean the ears of corn left by 
the reapers. 

3. Led by the hand of God, she went to glean in the 
fields of Booz, a man of great wealth, and a relation of 
Elimelech. During the day, Booz came into the fields to 
see the reapers. When he saw Euth and heard with what 
courage she had followed Noemi, and with what fidelity 
she served her, he spoke kindly to her, and told her to 
remain with his servants and to follow his reapers ; 
besides, when she was thirsty, to go to the vessels and 
drink. Booz, moreover, commanded the reapers to let 
fall, now and then, handfuls of corn, that she might 
gather them without shame. 

4. Some time after this Booz married Eutk The Lord 
blessed them and gave them a son, named Obed. He was 
the father of Isai, the father of David. From this family 
our Savior, Jesus Christ, descended. 

The Moabites were not Jews, but strangers and ene- 
mies ; hence our Savior, in descending from Euth, a 



68 



HISTOEY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



Moabite, wished to show that He was the Sayior not of 
the Jews alone^ but of all mankind. 



IS.] 



44.— The Sons of Heli. 



[a. C. 1152. 



1. Whilst Heli the high priest was judge in Israel, 
there lived a pious couple named Alcana and his wife 
Anna. Anna had no children, for which she grieved very 
much. On a certain day she came to the tabernacle of 
the Lord at Silo, where, weeping and praying, she said : 
^^0 Lord, God of hosts ! if thou wilt give me a son, I 
will consecrate him to Thee." God heard her prayer, 

and gave her a 
son, whom she 
called Samuel. 
2. When Sam- 
uel was three 
years old, his 
mother took 
him to Heli the 
high priest, at 
Silo. Here she 
consecrated 
him to God ; 
and Samuel 
served the Lord 
in the tabernacle, and grew in favor with God and man. 

3. Samuel and Jolin the Baptist are much alike in their histories. 
Both were a gift for the prayers of their parents < both were early 
consecrated to God ; and both preached penance to the people. 
Samuel was the last judge and the immediate precursor of the great 
King David ; John the Baptist was the last of the prophets and the 
precursor of Jesus Christ, the Eternal King. Samuel anointed 
David ; John baptized Jesus. 




Questions to Chapter 43. — Who went to Moab ? Who returned to Beth- 
lehem ? Who accompanied her ? Where did Ruth go ? Who met her ? What 
did Bo5z say? Who married Ruth? Who was Obed? Isai? David? From 
whom is Jesus Christ descended ? 



THE SOKS OF HELI. 



69 



4. Heli had two wicked sons — Ophni and Phinees. 
When the people came to Silo to sacrifice to the Lord^ the 
two young men were wont to come and by violence take 
the flesh of the sacrifice. They committed also other 
abominations in the sanctuary. Heli reproyed them but 
mildly. He did not chastise them as he should haye 
done. 

5. One nighty while Heli slept within the inclosure of 
the sanctuary, and Samuel near him, the Lord called 
Samuel. He, thinking it was Heli, rose and went to 
him ; but Heli told him he had not called him, and bade 
him go and sleep. This was repeated three times, when 
Heli understood it was the Lord who called. Then he 
bade Samuel answer Him and listen to what He would 
say. Samuel did so. 

6. On the morrow, Heli called Samuel, who told him 
all the Lord had said ; how the Lord would punish him 
and his two sons : the father, because he had not pun- 
ished his sons, and the sons for their wickedness. When 
Heli heard this, he bowed before the will of God. 

7. Some time after this there arose a bloody war between 
the Philistines 

and the Israel- ri"ir"!"' 
ites. Of the lat- 
ter, thirty thous- 
and were slain, 
and among the 
dead were the 
sons of Heli. 
The ark, that had 
been carried into 
the battle, was 
taken. When 
Heli heard this 
terrible news, he 
fell from the stool on which he was sitting, and, breaking 
his neck, died. 
. g. The Philistines carried the ark into the temple of 




70 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMEKT. 

their god, Dagon. But the Lord afflicted them in many 
ways : their God was thrown down, their jBelds were over- 
run with mice, their cities were devastated by pestilence, 
until the Philistines were glad to send back the ark to 
Israel. 

9. Samuel succeeded Heli in the office of judge. He 
assembled the people and pointed out their sins. He also 
promised them, if they would repent, the Lord would 
deliver them out of the hands of the Philistines. The 
people fasted and confessed their sins. God gave them 
the victory, and for many years peace reigned over the 
land. . 



A. M. 2909] 45.— Saul, the First King. [a. c. 1091. 

1. When Samuel had grown old, he appointed his sons 
judges over Israel ; but they walked not in the fear of the 
Lord. Then the people asked for a king. When Samuel 
heard this he was very angry, because he wished that God 
alone should be King of Israel. God, however, yielded, 
and Samuel anointed Saul king. He was a beautiful and 
valiant youth, from the tribe of Benjamin, and stood head 
and shoulders above any other man in Israel. 

2. In the beginning of his reign, the Lord was with 
Saul, and gave him the victory over his enemies. On one 
occasion he unfortunately disobeyed God. 

He was commanded to cut off the Amalicites, and to 
spare nothing ; but, in the pride of his power, he spared 
the best of the flocks, and, on his return, built triumphal 
arches to celebrate his victoryo For this he was cut off 
from the throne of Israel, and his posterity forbidden to 
succeed him. 

Questions to Chapteb 44.— When did Alcana and Anna live ? What was 
Anna's Prayer ? When was Samuel consecrated to God ? How are Samuel and 
John the Baptist compared ? What is said of Heli and his sons ? What is said 
of Samuel ? How did Heli die ? How did his sons die ? What happened to the 
Philistines ? Who succeeded Heli ? What did Samuel promise ? What reigned 
over the land ? 



DAVID. 



71 



3. Saul was a figure of the Jewish Church. Chosen by God, at 
first she surpassed all others in her knowledge of God and the 
graces with which she was endowed. But, little by little, she fell. 
She forgot her obedience, her humility, her charity, and, in the 
pride of her insolence, trusted alone in her sacrifices. She also 
rejected the Christian Church, chosen to succeed her. Saul perse- 
cuted David ; so did the Jews persecute Jesus Christ. David wept 
for the death of Saul ; so did Jesus Christ weep over Jerusalem. 



A. M. 2934.] 



46.— David. 



[a. c. 



1. At the command of God, Samuel went to Bethlehem, 
to the house of Isai. When he arrived, David, the young- 
est of the sons of Isai, was in the fields tending his father's 




flocks. Samuel sent for him, and, taking a horn of oil, 
anointed him. As the Spirit of God came upon David, it 
departed from Saul. 



Questions to Chapter 45.— What did the people ask for? Who was anointed 
king ? What is said of Saul ? How did he reign in the beginning ? For what 
was Saul cut off from the throne of Israel ? How was Saul a figure of the Jewish 
Church ? 



72 ' HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

2. Saul became subject to fits of melancholy^ and an 
evil spirit haunted him. On such occasions David was 
brought in to play upon his harp and soothe the troubled 
mind of the king. Thus David was introduced into Saul's 
house. Moreover, Saal made David his armor-bearer, not 
knowing that he had been consecrated king. As often as 
David played, Saul was soothed. 



A M. 2942.] 47. — David and Goliath. [a. c. io58. 

1. A new war broke out between the Philistines and 
the Israelites., The Philistines w^ere encamped on one 
mountain, the Israelites on another directly opposite — 
a narrow valley lying between them. A giant, named 
Goliath, advanced from the camp of the Philistines. 
His height was six cubits and a span ; he had on his head 
a brazen helmet, and was clothed in a heavy coat of mail. 
The staflE of his spear was like a weaver's beam. 

2. Thus arrayed, Goliath defied the armies of Israel, 
asking that a man be sent to fight him. For forty days 
this giant presented himself, — to the shame of Saul and 
the terror of the Israelites, for no man dared to meet 
him. 

David came to the camp to see how it fared with his 
brothers. When he saw Goliath, and heard his taunts, 
his blood boiled within him, and, coming to Saul, he said : 
'' I will fight this Phihstine." 

3. At first Saul refused, but, on the representations of 
David, at length yielded. Then Saul clothed David in 
his own armor ; but, unaccustomed to it, David put it off, 
and, choosing five smooth stones from the brook, took his 
sling and went forth to meet Goliath. 

4. When the giant saw him, he despised him, asking if 
he thought he was a dog. But David feared not ; he went 

Questions to Chapter 46.— Who was anointed king ? Whose son was he ? 
With what was Saul attacked ? Who played for him ? What was David made ? 



DAVID AKD GOLIATH. 



73 



forth in the might and the power of God. AVhen the two 
champions drew near to each other, David chose one of 
the stones that he carried with him, and, casting it with 
his sling, struck the Philistine on the forehead with such 
force, that he fell with his face to the ground. Then 
David ran and, drawing the sword of Goliath from its 
sheath, cut off his head. 




5. When the Philistines saw their champion was slain, 
they fled ; but the Israelites, shouting and pursuing, 
killed many of them, and pillaged their camp. 

This victory of David over Goliath was a figure of Christ's victory 
over the devil. As Goliath for forty days insulted the armies of 
Israel, so did the devil for four thousand years war against God's 
kingdom on earth ; and as David conquered Goliath with a staflPand 
five smooth stones, so did Jesus Christ conquer the devil by His 
Cross and His five wounds. 



Questions to Chapter 47.— What is said of the armies of (he Israelites and 
Philistines ? Who was Goliath ? What did Goliath do ? Who killed him ? 
How ? What comparison between David and Christ ? And between Goliath and 
the devil ? 



74 



HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



A. M. 2944.] 48. — Jonathan's Love and Saul's [a. c. io56. 
Hatred for David. 

1. When Saul and the army returned from their victory 
over the Philistines^ the women of Israel came forth from 
the different cities playing and singing : " Saul hath 
killed his thousands, but David his tens of thousands." 
When Saul heard this he became exceedingly angry, and 
one day strove to strike David with his lance ; but David 
escaped. 




II 



2. Shortly after this, Saul offered his daughter Michol 
in marriage to David, on condition that he would kill 
two hundred Philistines. Saul hoped, that the Philistines 
would kill David. But David killed the Philistines, and 
was only the more loved by the people. When Saul saw 
this, his hat]*ed increased, and he became more decided on 
David's death. 

3. In proportion as Saul hated David, did Jonathan, 
the king's son, love him. David and Jonathan made with 
each other a covenant of peace. They often spoke to each 
other of Saul's hatred. Jonathan reasoned with his father. 



DAYID'S GEi^EKOSITY TO SAUL — SAUL'S DEATH. 75 

and spoke of what David had done against the Phihstines. 
For the moment Saul was appeased. 

4. For the fourth time David went to war with the 
Phihstines. His victory only aroused anew the anger 
and jealousy of Saul^ who strove to strike him with his 
javelin, but David escaped for the second time. Again 
Jonathan pleaded for his friend: Saul's anger would not 
be appeased, and in his rage he even drew his sword to 
kill his own son. 

5. When Jonathan saw this, he went to David, and 
told him what had happened, and advised him to flee. 
Weeping, Jonathan sent David away, but bade him never 
forget the covenant they had made, nor what they had 
sworn to the Lord. 



A. M. 2949] 49.— David's Generosity to Saul — [a. c. looi. 
Saurs Death. 

1. For a while, David's life was in constant danger from 
the hands of 
Saul : but he 
•placed his 
confidence in 
God, who did 
not desert 
him. 

One day 
Saul pursued 
David with 
three thou- 
sand men. 
Wearied, 
Saul entered 
a cave in 
which David and his men lay concealed, but Saul knew 




Questions to Chapter 48. —What did the women sing? How did Saul 
act ? What did he try to do ? On what condition did Saul oflfer his daughter 
to David ? What is said of David and Jonathan ? How did Jonathan plead 
for David ? What did Saul try a second time ? What did Jonathan advise David ? 



76 



HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



it not. David's men would have killed Saul^ but David 
would not allow them^ contenting himself with cutting off 
the hem of Saul's robe. 

3. On another occasion Saul pursued David into the 
desert of Hachila. While Saul and his general, Abner, 
together with the whole army were asleep, David and 
Abisai entered the camp. Abisai would have run Saul 
through with his spear, but David forbade him. David, 
however, took the spear that was at the king's head. 




3. AVhen they were gone some distance from the camp, 
David cried to the king, and he awoke. When Saul saw, 
by the loss of his spear, how he had been in David's 
power, and how, for the second time, David had spared 
him, he repented, and returned with his army, while 
David went his way. 

4. War again broke out between the Philistines and 
the Israelites. Saul assembled an army and went forth 
to meet the enemy. In the battle Saul was mortally 
wounded, and, fearing he might fall into the hands of 
the Philistines, fell on his own sword, and died. By his 



THE GREAT AND PIOUS KIKG DAVID. 77 

sinful death, David was freed from danger, but he rejoiced 
not ; he only saw the virtues and good qualities of the 
king. In this same battle Jonathan was also killed. 
When David heard of his friend's death, he wept bit- 
terly, calling him brother, and comparing his love for 
him to the love of a mother for her child. 

END OF THE THIRD AGE. 



AGE IV. 

THE GRANDEUR OF THE PEOPLE 
OF ISRAEL. 

FROM DAVID TO THE DIVISION OF THE KINGDOM 
UNDER ROBOAM 



A. M. 2949.] 50. — The Great and Pious King [a. c. 1051. 

David. 

1. After Saul's death David was chosen king of Israel. 
He established his residence at Jerusalem, and, by the 
number of his armies and the brilliancy of his victories, 
was very renowned amongst the neighboring nations. He 
had twelve generals, each with an army of twenty-four 
thousand men under him, and, over all, Abner was placed 
general-in-chief. 

2. During his long and turbulent reign David carried 
on many wars. In turn, he subdued the Philistines, the 
Moabites, the Syrians, the Edomites, and the Ammonites. 
By his victories, immense treasures of gold and great 

Questions to Chapter 49.— What is said of David's life ? How did David 
show his generosity ? How did Saul act ? How did Saul die ? Who else was 
killed ? How did David take Jonathan's death 



78 



HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMEi^T. 



quantities of booty were brought to Jerusalem. When 
David died, he left a kingdom that extended from Egypt 
to the Euphrates. In every respect this was the most 
brilliant period in the history of Israel, as well for its 
victories abroad as for the wisdom of its legislation at 
home. 

3. David paid much attention to the administration of 
justice. He chose wise men for his counselors and upright 




men to rule the people. He also appointed honest men to 
guard the royal treasures and manage the crown lands. 
Order was everywhere. 

4. David, moreover, strove, as well by his own example 
as by his influence, to cultivate and spread the worship of 
the true God among his subjects. On Mount Sion he 
built a magnificent tent in which to place the ark of the 
covenant. When all things were ready, the ark was car- 
ried thither with great pomp and show. In the procession 
were all the princes of the people, clad in purple robes, 
while the priests wore their richest vestments. Three 



THE REVOLT AND CHASTISEMEJ^T OF ABSOLOM. 79 

thousand armed men served as a guard of honor, whilst 
the people attended m countless numbers. 

5. Those who marched before, and those who imme- 
diately surrounded the ark^ played upon lutes and harps, 
and on cymbals and trumpets. David himself walked 
before the priests, playing on his harp, while, at every 
few steps, a bull and heifer were offered m sacrifice to 
the Lord. 

6. After this, David divided the priests into twenty- 
four classes, and each, in its turn, was commanded to 
serve before the Lord. From amongst the Levites were 
chosen four thousand singers, whose duty it was to chant, 
day by day, the praises of God, and to play on all manner 
of musical instruments. 



A.M. 2981.] 51. — The Revolt and Chastisement [a. c. 1019. 
of Absolom. 

1. David committed two grievous crimes : first, he per- 
suaded Bethsabee to sin with him, and then, to hide her 
shame, caused Urias, her husband, to be murdered. But 
the Lord sent the prophet Nathan to him, who fearlessly 
reproached him with his crimes. David humbly acknowl- 
edged his faults and confessed his sins against the Lord. 
At the sight of his humiliation, God pardoned him, but, 
as a punishment, sent him many trials. 

2. Of these, the most severe was the revolt of his son 
Absolom, the most beautiful man in Israel. Absolom 
began by flattering the people and pandering to their 
prejudices. When he thought himself strong enough, he 
openly revolted. From all sides the people ran to his 
standard. When David heard this, he left Jerusalem, 

Questions to Chapter 50— Wlio was chosen king? What is said of him? 
What of his armies ? Who were subdued ? What was brought to Jerusalem ? 
What is said of David's reign ? What was built on Mount Sion ? What was 
placed in it? How were the priests divided? What was the duty of the 
Levites ? 



80 



HISTOKT OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



and, passing over the brook Oedron, went barefooted and 
liis head uncoyered, up the Mount of Olives, weeping on 
the way. 

3. A man from the house of Saul, named Semei, met 
David as he fled, and, throwing stones at him, cursed him, 
calling him a man of blood. Abisai, one of David's 
servants, wished to kill Semei, but David forbade him, 
hoping God might perhaps turn his curses into blessings. 




4. In the meantime Absolom pursued his father beyond 
the Jordan ; the two armies met, and Absolom was de- 
feated. While he fled, mounted on a mule, Absolom 
passed under a large oak-tree, in the branches of which 
his hair became entangled, and, the mule passing on, he 
was left hanging by the hair. When Joab, one of the 
king's generals, heard this, he ran and thrust three spears 
into the ungrateful heart of Absolom. He threw the 
body into a deep pit, and cast upon it a great heap of 
stones. 



THE LAST DAYS OF DAYID. , 81 

5. When David heard of his son's death, he was greatly 
afflicted, and, weeping, cried out: ^'^My son Absolom, 
would to God I had died in your stead, Absolom, my son 
Absolom." After this, David returned to Jerusalem, 
accompanied by his army and a great multitude of people, 
who came forth to meet him. 

6. David is a figure of Jesus Christ — in his family residence, 
Bethlehem ; in the obscurity of his youth ; in his victory over 
Goliath ; in his sorrow when he passed over the brook Cedron ; 
by his ascent of the Mount of Olives ; in his generosity to his perse- 
cutors ; and, finally, in his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. 

7. As David had to contend against two enemies, Saul and 
Absolom, so have two enemies risen against Christ and his Church 
— the first, Judaism, which the Church replaced ; the second, heresy, 
which has so often risen against the Catholic Church, and, by flat- 
tering the passions of men, succeeded in blinding the multitude, 
and leading them astray. 



A. M. 2986.] 52. — The Last Days of David. [a. c lou, 

1. David reigned oyer Israel from his thirtieth to 
seventieth year. When he saw his end approaching, he 
called together the princes and principal men of the 
nation, and told them how he had intended to build a 
temple to the Lord ; how he had gathered together gold 
and silver, brass and iron, and wood and stone, but that 
God had forbidden him, as he was a man of blood and of 
many wars. God, however, would allow his son Solomon 
to build the temple. 

2. Then David gave Solomon minute directions as to 
its construction, and warned him that it was not a house 
for man he was building, but a dwelling-place for the 
Lord. David, besides, told Solomon never to forsake the 
Lord, but to serve him with a docile heart ; and, further. 

Questions to Chapter 51.— Whom did God send to David ? Wliat did David 
do ? What great punishment did God send ? Who cursed David ? What 
happened to Absolom ? Where did David go ? Of whom is David a figure ? 
How ? 



82 , HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

to remember that, in the day he forsook God, God would 
forsake him. 

David died, and was buried on Mount Sion, and Solo- 
mon, his son, succeeded him. 



A.M. 2989.] 53. — The Wisdom of Solomon, [a. c. ion. 

1. In the beginning of his reign Solomon loved the 
Lord, and walked in his father's footsteps. One night 
the Lord appeared to him, and bade him ask what he 
would, Solomon asked for wisdom, that he might rule 
with justice. When the Lord heard this. He was much 
pleased, and gave Solomon not only the wisdom he had 
asked for, but also riches, and honors, and a long life. 

2. Besides, God gave him a true knowledge of all things 
in nature, so that he understood the admirable order of 
creation, the power of the elements, the course of the 
seasons, the position of the stars, the instincts of animals, 
and the thoughts of men, together with a knowledge of 
the diversity of plants, and the medicinal virtues of their 
roots. All nature was open to his mind, whence it came 
to pass that the wise men of the world, and the princes of 
nations, stood in admiration at the wisdom of Solomon. 

3. One day two women came to him demanding judg- 
ment in their case. The first said: ^^This woman and 
myself live together in one house. We have each had a 
child. During the night her son died. When she dis- 
covered this, she rose, whilst I slept, and took my son from 
my side, and laid her dead son in his place. In the 
morning I saw the dead child, but, on a closer examina- 
tion, I discovered it was not mine.'' 

4. In answer to this, the other said : " Surely, your son 
is dead, and mine lives." But the first answered, '' It is 
not so." Thus the two women disputed before the king. 
Then Solomon ordered a sword to be brought and the 

Questions to Chapter 52. — How long did David reign ? What did he say 
about the temple ? WTiat did he say to Solomon ? 



THE WISDOM OF SOLOMOK. 



83 



living child to be diyided^ and half to be given to one^ 
and half to the other. When the mother of the child 
heard this, she was filled with dismay, and overwhelmed 
with agony. Torn with a mother's love for her child, she 
cried out to the king: ^*^My lord, give her the child 




But the other 



Let it 



alive ; do not kill it." 
divided." 

5. Then Solomon ordered the living child to be given 
to the first : ^^for," said he, ^^she is the mother.'' Soon 
this judgment was known in all the land of Israel, and 
the people were filled with admiration for Solomon, be- 
cause they saw the Spirit of God was in him. 



A. M. 2992.] 54. — The Building- and Dedication [a. c. loos. 
of the Temple of Jerusalem. 

1. In the fourth year of his reign, Solomon began to 
build on Mount Moria, in Jerusalem, a temple to the 



Questions to Chapter 53.— What is said of Solomon ? What did God give 
him ? What else besides wisdom ? What is said of the -two women ? What was 
Solomon's decision ? 



84 HISTOEY OF THE OLD TESTAMEISTT. 

Lord. During its construction, seventy thousand men 
were employed to cut and bring the wood that was needed, 
while eighty thousand more Avere engaged in quarrying 
and dressing the stone. Besides these, thirty-six hundred 
overseers were needed to see that all was done according 
as it had been planned. Ten thousand Israelites were 
sent to cut down cedars and pine-trees on the mountains 
of Libanus. 

2. The building itself was of vast and magnificent pro- 
portions. Its length w^as sixty cubits, its height thirty, 
and its breadth twenty cubits. Besides this, there were 
added porticoes, that ran round the main building, and 
also courts for the use of the priests and the people. The 
interior was lined with cedar, and ornamented with carv- 
ings representing cherubim, palm-trees, and all kinds of 
flowers. Everything needed in the temple for the worship 
of God was of the purest gold, among which are enu- 
merated ten tables, a large number of candlesticks, and a 
hundred chalices. 

3. At the end of seven years the temple was finished, 
when the princes and ancients of the people assembled 
together, and carried the ark from Mount Sion to the 
sanctuary prepared for it. The people walked before, 
while the Levites played upon cymbals and harps, and a 
hundred priests sounded their trumpets, and all the mul- 
titude sang: ^^ Praise to the Lord, because He is good; 
and His mercy endureth forever/' On the way, an in- 
numerable number of oxen and sheep were offered in 
sacrifice. 

4. When the ark was placed within the sanctuary, a 
cloud filled the temple, and the multitude fell upon their 
knees. Solomon, lifting up his hands towards heaven, 
said: ^^Lord, the God of Israel! nothing can be com- 
pared to Thee ; nor can the heavens contain Thee, much 
less this house : nevertheless I have built it, that here 
Thou mayest listen to the prayers of the people, and 
mayest be merciful to them." 

5. Whilst Solomon was yet praying and the people were 



MAGNIFICENCE OF SOLOMON — HIS END. 



85 



round about adoring, fire came down from heaven and 
consumed the sacrifices. God again appeared to Solomon, 




and told him his prayer was heard ; and this temple he 
had built should ever be a place where the prayers of 
those who came to offer their yows would be heard. 



A. M. 3023.J 55.— The Magnificence of Solomon— [a. c. 977. 

His End. 

1. For the first twenty years of his reign^ Solomon 
walked in the footsteps of his father Dayid. His name 
and his greatness were known throughout the world. 
Nations paid him tribute^, and his yessels whitened the 
seas from India to Spain, carrying gold, and ebony, and 
precious stones to his capital. 

2. In this general prosperity many cities were built 
through the land, and Jerusalem rose to the highest 
splendor and magnificence. Solomon built a palace of 
untold wealth ; his throne was of iyory, oyerlaid with 

Questions to Chapter 54.— What did Solomon build? How many men were 
engaged upon it ? Describe the temple and the things needed for the worship of 
God. Describe the dedication. What happened when the ark was placed in the 
•anctuary ? What did God promise Solomon ? 



86 HISTOEY OP THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

gold^ while within the palace hung fifty massive bucklers 
of the same precious metal. 

3. The vessels^ the chalices, the utensils, and every 
thing necessary for the service of the Lord, were of the 
purest gold. The people lived in peace, and neighboring 
nations sought his friendship. Even the Queen of Saba, 
dazzled by the splendor of his fame, came to visit him, 
that she might for herself see his magnificence and prove 
his wisdom. These were the days of Israel's glory. 

4. But Solomon did not end his reign as he began it. 
When he grew old, he was led away from God by the 
blandishments of pagan women ; his heart became cor- 
rupted, and he fell into idolatry ; nay, to please his women, 
he built a temple for their idols. When the Lord saw 
this, he became exceedingly angry, and told Solomon that, 
for his sins, the kingdom would be divided and given to 
another : ^^yet," said the Lord, ^^for the love I bore thy 
father David, I will leave two tribes to thy son." 

5. Hurried on by his passion, and blinded by his sins, 
Solomon fell from his greatness. He oppressed his sub- 
jects, and scandalized his people, until discontent and 
revolt showed themselves everywhere. Amid general 
gloom, Solomon, the wisest of men, died — a sad example 
of the weakness and fickleness of man, and the vanity of 
life. 

A.M. 3029.] 56. — The Division of the Kingdom, [a. c. 971. 

1. After the death of Solomon, the people came to his 
son Eoboam, and asked him to lighten a little the burden 
which his father had imposed upon them. Koboam bade 
them return in three days. In the meantime he consulted 
the old men, who recommended mercy and kindness ; 
and then the young men, who advised harshness. Fol- 

QuESTiONS TO Chapter 55. — What is said of the first years of Solomon's 
reign ? Describe Solomon's magnificence. What is said of the ornaments and 
vessels of the temple ? Who came to see Solomon ? How did Solomon end his 



THE DIYISIOK OF THE KIl^GDOM. 87 

lowing the advice of the young men^ Eoboam said to the 
people, on the third day: ^^ My father put a heayy yoke 
upon you ; I will make it heavier. My father beat you 
with whips ; I will chastise you with scorpions/' 

2. When the people heard this, they became very angry, 
and stoned Aduran, the king's messenger, and, choosing 
Jeroboam, one of Solomon's servants, made him king over 
ten tribes. The two tribes of Juda and Benjamin adhered 
to Eoboam. 

Thus, according as God had foretold Solomon, were 
the Jewish people divided into two kingdoms — Israel and 
Juda. Jerusalem remained the capital of Juda, while 
Samaria, at a later period, became the capital of Israel. 

3. This sinful separation of the ten tribes from their 
harsh, yet lawful king, is a figure of so many who, by 
lieresy and sin, separate themselves from the Catholic 
Church, God's true representative upon earth. 

Jerusalem represented truth ; Samaria, heresy. At the 
former was the temple, where alone sacrifice pleasing to God 
could be offered. There, was the ark of the covenant, and 
there alone, was the priesthood that God had established. 

4. The separated tribes, from which was formed the 
Kingdom of Israel, were by far more numerous than the 
two that remained faithful. This mattered not. As with 
heresy, so with them ; in a few years they entirely dis- 
appeared from history, leaving but a name behind them. 

5. To the tw^o tribes God showed mercy, for from them 
came the Savior of the world. So shall it be with the 
Catholic Church : she has seen the rise and fall of all 
forms of heresies, many of which, for a time, seemed to 
threaten her existence ; but they have passed away, while 
she remains, as she will remain, to the end. 

END OF THE FOURTH AGE. 



Questions to Chapter 56.— How did Roboam treat the people ? What hap- 
pened? What was Jeroboam made? Who adhered to Roboam? Into what 
were the Jews divided ? What were the capitals of the two nations ? What is 
said of the kingdom of Israel and of the kingdom of Juda ? What is said of the 
Catholic Church and heresy ? 



88 HISTOEY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



AGE V. 

DECLINE OF THE PEOPLE OF 
ISRAEL. 

FROM ROBOAM TO JESUS CHRIST. 



PART FIRST. 



THE KINGDOM OF ISRAEL TO ITS DESTRUCTION BY THE 
KINGS OF ASSYRIA. 



57.— A General View. 

1. Soon after their separation from the Kingdom of 
Jucla, the people of Israel fell into idolatry. It happened 
thus ; Jeroboam said to himself : *^' If my people go up to 
Jerusalem to offer sacrifice, as the law commands, they 
will soon return to Eoboam and abandon me." So he made 
two calves of gold, and, setting them up, said to the 
people : ^^ Go not up to Jerusalem, for your gods are 
here." The people obeyed him, and adored the idols. 

2. During his whole reign, Eoboam made war upon 
Jeroboam ; nor was peace ever permanently established 
between the two kingdoms. So bitter became the strife, 
that frequently the stranger and the pagan were called in 
to help the weaker side. 

For two hundred and fifty- three years, Israel, whose 
capital was at Samaria, maintained a separate existence. 
During this time, Israel had nineteen kings, most of whom 
came to the throne by violence, or by the murder of their 
j)redecessors. Disorder, vice, idolatry, reigned supreme. 

3. To punish the kings and correct the people, and that 
He might leave them no shadow of excuse for their wick- 
edness, God, from time to time, raised up saintly men, 
called Prophets. These propliets preached and Avrought 



GOD SEKDS THE PROPHET ELIAS. 



89 



miracles^ both in the kingdom of Israel and in the king- 
dom of Juda. 

4. God did every thing to save his chosen people : at 
one time humbling them by the hands of their enemies, 
at another cheering them on with the promises of the 
Redeemer. But they were a perverse and stifE-necked 
people, nor w^ould they obey. Hence, God could say to 
them, in all justice : ^^0 Israel I thy destruction is from 
thyself." 



A. M. 3092.] 68.— God Sends the Prophet Elias. [a. c. 908. 

1. Achab was one of the most wicked of all the kings 
that ruled over Israel. In concert with his pagan w^ife, 
Jezabel, he built a temple to the god Baal. He appointed 
four hundred and fifty priests to serve this false god, 
whilst at the same time he put to death all the priests of 
the true God he could find in his kingdom. 

2. When God 
saw the wick- 
edness of this 
king, He sent 
Elias the proph- 
et to him to tell 
him no rain 
should fall in 
Israel. When 
Achab heard 
this, he became 
exceedingly an- 
gry, and secret- 
ly sought to put 
Elias to death. 
But God bade the prophet go to the torrent of Carith, 
where the ravens would feed him. 




Questions to Chapter 57.— How did the people of Israel fall into idolatry ? 
What did Roboam do against Jeroboam ? How long did the kingdom of Israel 
last ? What was its character ? Who were the prophets ? What did they do ? 



90 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

3. Elias did as he was commanded, and night and 
morning the ravens brought him bread and flesh, and he 
drank from the torrent. In time, the torrent also dried 
up, when the Lord told Elias to go to Serepta, in the land 
of the Sidonians, where a widow would feed him. 

4. Elias went, and, as he was entering the city, he met 
the widow, from whom he asked a little water to drink. 
When she went to bring it, Elias called after her to bring 
him also a little morsel of bread. But she answered : ^* I 
have but a handful of meal and a little oil in a cruse. I 
am gathering a few sticks wherewith to cook it for myself 
and my son, that we may eat it and die. '' 

5. Elias bade her fear not, but to make a cake for him, 
and then to make one for herself and son : " For her meal 
would not fail, nor her oil diminish, until rain would fall 
upon the earth. '^ The woman did as he commanded her, 
and her meal failed not, nor did her oil diminish. 

6. Some time afterwards the widow's son died, and, at 
the prayer of Elias, the child was restored to life. When 
the woman saw what was done, she said to Elias : '^^Now 
I know you are a man of God." 



I 



A. M. 3096.] 59. — Elias and the Priests of Baal. [a. c. m. 

1. For three years and six months no rain fell in Israel. 
Again Elias presented himself to Achab, who, with much 
anger, chid him for the distress that was then in the 
country. But Elias answered him that he had not 
plunged Israel into its present trouble, but the king him- 
self by his sins and his idolatries. 

2. Then Elias bade the king assemble all Israel upon 
Mount Carmel, and also the four hundred and fifty priests 
of Baal. Achab did so, and went himself to the moun- 
tain. When they were all assembled, Elias made the 

Questions to Chapter 58,— What is said of Achab ? What did he build ? 
Who came to him ? Where did Elias go ? How was he fed ? Where did God 
send him ? Tell what happened to the widow of Serepta ? 



ELIAS AKD THE PRIESTS OF BAAL. 



91 



following proposition: ''I am alone/' said he; ''the 
priests of Baal are four hundred and fifty : let two bul- 
locks be given us ; let them choose one, and I will choose 
the other ; let them kill their bullock, and I will kill 
mine ; and let each of us lay our bullock upon wood, but 
put no fire under it : then let them call upon their gods, 
and I will call upon my God ; and let the God that shall 
answer by fire, be God." The proposition pleased the 
people. 




3. The priests of Baal prepared themselyes with great 
solemnity, and, when they had dressed their bullock, laid 
it on the altar. From morning till noon they called upon 
Baal, but he heard them not. 

Then Elias began to laugh at them, bidding them : 
" Cry louder ; perhaps Baal was asleep ; or may be enter- 
taining himself with a friend ; or perhaps he might be on 
a journey, and away from home." They continued to 
cry all the louder, but no Baal spoke. 

4. Elias built an altar also, and, dressing his bullock, 
laid it on it. He dug a trench round about the altar, and 



92 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

filled it with water ; he also poured water on the wood. 
Then he called upon the Lord to show His power, that 
the people might be converted. 

5. While Elias was yet praying, fire came down from 
heaven and consumed the holocaust, as also the wood and 
the stones of the altar ; nay, the very water in the trench. 
When the people saw this, they fell on their faces and 
cried out : ''The Lord, He is God ; the Lord, He is the 
true God." 

Then the priests of Baal were slain, and shortly after 
rain fell in great abundance. 



60. — The Vineyard of Naboth. 

1. A man, named Naboth, had a vineyard near the 
palace of King Achab. The king Avished to buy it, but 
Naboth would not sell it ; so Achab became very angry. 
When Jezabel, the queen, heard what had happened, she 
sent for false witnesses, who accused Naboth " of having 
blasphemed against God and the king." Naboth was 
stoned to death, and Achab took the vineyard. 

2. By the command of God, Elias came to Achab, and 
told him, because he had done this wicked thing and un- 
justly taken the vineyard of Naboth, the dogs would lick 
his blood and eat the flesh of Jezabel. 

This prophecy was fulfilled to the letter. Three years 
after, Achab was mortally wounded in battle, and the 
dogs licked his blood ; and some time after that, during 
the reign of Jehu, Jezabel, by the king's orders, was 
thrown from a window, and trampled to death under the 
horses^ feet. When, some hours afterwards, her friends 
came to seek for the body, it was found torn to pieces by 
the dogs. 

Questions to Chapter 59.— For how long did no rain fall ? What proposal 
did Elias make ? How did the priests of Baal act ? What did Elias do ? What 
was the result ? 

Questions to Chapter 60.— What is said of Naboth's vineyard? How did 
Achab get it? What did Elias tell Achab ? How was this prophecy fulfilled ? 



THE PKOPHET ELISEUS. 



93 



61.— The Prophet Eliseus. 

1. By God's command^ Elias chose Eliseus for his suc- 
cessor. When the time drew near that Elias should go to 
God, he strove 
to escape from 
Eliseus, but he 
could not. 
And while 
they were walk- 
ing together, 
Elias was part- 
ed from Elise- 
us by a fiery 
chariot, and 
carried up into 
heaven by a 
w h i r 1 w i n d. 
The mantle of 
Elias fell upon 

Eliseus, and he was filled with the spirit and miraculous 
powers of his master. 

2. One day Eliseus was insulted by some rude boys, 
who mockingly called him ^'^ Bald-head." The prophet 
threatened them in the name of the Lord, and, at the 
same instant, two bears came from the woods and tore 
forty of these wicked boys to pieces. 

3. On another occasion, Naaman, a distinguished Sylvian 
general, came to Eliseus to be cured of leprosy. When 
he came to the house where Eliseus was, the prophet sent 
him w^ord by his servant to go and wash seven times in 
the Jordan and he would be clean. Naaman became 
exceedingly angiy, because he thought he had been 
slighted by the prophet. 

4. However, at the earnest advice of his servants, 
Xaaman went, and, bathing seven times in the Jordan, 
was cured. When Naaman saw what was done, he re- 




94 



HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAME2!^T. 



turned to Eliseus^ and acknowledged there was no God 
but the God of Israel. Then he besought the prophet to 
take a gift, but he would not. 




5. When Naaman was gone, Giezi, Eliseus' servant, ran 
after him, and told him that two sons of the prophet^s had 
just called upon his master, and he had been sent for a talent 
of silver and two changes of garments. Naaman gave him 
two talents of silver and Giezi returned to his master. 

6. When Eliseus saw him, he asked: ^^ Where he had 
been." But Giezi denied he had been anywhere. Eliseus 
became indignant at the lie, and said to him : '' My spirit 
was with you when the man turned back from his chariot 
to meet you. Even now you have the silver and gar- 
ments that were given you. As a punishment for your 
sin, the leprosy of Naaman shall stick to you forever." 
And Giezi went out a leper, white as snow. 

7. After working many miracles, Eliseus died, and was 
buried. Some time after his death, a man died, and his 
friends came to bury him near the grave of Eliseus. But, 
suddenly a band of robbers coming upon them, they 
threw the dead man into the grave where the body of 
Eliseus lay. Scarce had the dead man touched the bones 
of Eliseus when he came to life and stood upon his feet. 



JOi^AS THE PROPHET. 



95 



This fact proves that even among the Jews God wrought miracles 
by the relics of His saints. 



A. M. 3197.J 



62.— Jonas the Prophet. 



[a. C. 803. 



1. After the death of Eliseus, God chose Jonas for His 
prophet. One day God bade him go to N iniye and preach 
penance, for the sins of the people had become very great. 

Ninive was the capital of Assjrria, and Jonas wished it 
to perish. Hence he fled to- the sea, and embarked aboard 
a vessel going to Tharsis, thinking he would thus flee 
from the Lord. 

2. When the ship had pushed out from the land, God 
sent a violent storm, so that the vessel was in danger of 
being lost. They cast lots to see who was the cause of 
the evil, and the lot fell upon Jonas. Then he told them 
what he had done, 
and advised them 
to cast him into 
the sea. The 
sailors cast him 
overboard, and 
immediately the 
sea became calm. 

3. The Lord 
had prepared a 
great fish — a 
whale — which 
swallowed up Jo- 
nas. For three 

and three 




nights the prophet was in the whale's belly. Then he 
prayed to the Lord for help. God heard him, and, on 
the third day, the fish vomited him out on dry land. 



Questions to Chapter 61.— Who succeeded Elias ? How did Elias go up to 
heaven ? What fell upon Eliseus ? What happened the rude hoys ? Tell the 
story of Naaman. What happened to Giezl ? What happened to the dead man ? 



96 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAME:^rT. 

4. Jonas was a figure of Jesus Christ. Jonas was cast into the 
sea, that, by the loss of one, the crew might be saved. By the sac- 
rifice of Christ the world was redeemed. Jonas was three days in 
the whale's belly ; Christ was three days in the tomb. 

5. God said to Jonas a second time : ''Go into Ninive 
and crj, ' Yet forty days, and Mnive shall be destroyed.' '' 
When the people heard these words, they beheved in God, 
and, fasting, clothed themselves in sackcloth and ashes. 
Even the king shared in the general penance, and, by 
proclamation, commanded every one to abandon his sins, 
that perhaps God would spare 'the city. When God saw 
the sincerity of their repentance, He heard the prayer of 
the people, and did not destroy the city. 

6. Jonas, fearing he might be considered a false prophet, 
was displeased, and, going, built for himself a booth out- 
side the walls of the city. During the night the Lord 
caused an ivy to grow up, that it might shade the prophet 
from the heat of the sun. Jonas was much pleased ; but 
in the following night God prepared a worm to strike the 
ivy, and it withered. 

7. Then there came a hot, burning wind, w^hile the rays 
of the sun beat upon the head of the prophet. Scorched 
by the heat, discouraged and dejected, Jonas wished to 
die. But the Lord said to him: ''You are grieved and 
dejected for the loss of a miserable ivy that you neither 
planted nor made to grow : should I not spare Ninive, a 
gTeat city, in which there are more than a hundred and 
twenty thousand men ? " 



A. M. 3278.] 63.— The End of the Kingdom [a. c. 722. 

of Israel. 

1. Mnive, an idolatrous city, did penance, and found 
grace with God ; but Israel became daily more and more 

Questions to Chapter 62. — Where was Jonas sent? What happened to 
him? How long was Jonas in the whale's belly? How was Jonas a figure 
of Jesus Christ ? What did the people of Nlnive do ? How did Jonas act ? 
What did Jonas build ? What is said of the ivy ? What became of Ninive ? 



THE OLD TOBIAS. 97 

wicked. She set God at defiance, and despised His 
prophets, until, weary with her crimes. He resolved on 
her destruction. 

2. Suddenly and unexpectedly, Salmanasar, King of 
Assyi'ia, came with a powerful army, and laid siege to 
Samaria, the capital of Israel. After three years, he took 
the city, and led the greater portion of the inhabitants 
captives into Assyria, while those who remained became 
mixed with the neighboring nations. 

3. The religion of the Samaritans was a compound of 
Judaism and paganism. The people of Judea hated the 
Samaritans, both because of their religion and because of 
their revolt. Hence, our Savior was called a Samaritan, 
because the Jews thought they could call a man no worse 
name. 

TJiose w^ho were led away into captivity never returned, 
but, becoming mixed with the people of Assyria and the 
surrounding nations, were lost to history, and perished as 
a people. I^ot a trace of the ten tribes remains to-day. 



A.M. 3286.] 64. — The Old Tobias. [a. c. 714. 

1. Among those who were led into captivity by Sal- 
manasar, w^as a Grod-fearing man, named Tobias. From 
his youth he had avoided the society of the wicked, and 
kept the commandments. He spent much of his time iu 
consoling his fellow-captives, and, by his charities, help- 
ing to relieve their wants. To feed the hungry, to clothe 
the naked, and in the night to bury the dead, was his 
usual care. 

2. One day, wearied and exhausted with burying the 
dead, he returned to his house, and, lying down by the 
wall, fell asleep. Whilst he slept, the hot dung from a 
swallow's nest fell into his eyes, and he lost his sight. 

Questions to Chapter 63. — Who destroyed Israel ? How ? What became 
of the people? What was the religion of the Samaritans? Wh3^ was Christ 
called a Samaritan ? 



1- 



98 



HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



Tobias bore his affliction without murmur, and strove to 

purify himself by his trials. 

3. Tobias being rendered helpless by the loss of his 

sight, his wife 
Anna went out 
every day to 
weave, that she 
might help to 
support him. 
One day she re- 
ceived, over and 
above her wages, 
a little kid. 
When Tobias 
heard it bleat- 
ing, he began 
to fear lest it 

might have been gotten dishonestly ; and not until he had 

been assured that it Avas a gift would he touch it. 




65.— The Counsels of Tobias to his Son. 

1. After Tobias had been proved in many tribulations, 
he thought he was going to die ; so he called his son to 
him, that he might give him some advice. 

^^ When I die/' said he, ^*^fail not to bury me. Honor 
thy mother, nor forget what she suffered for thee. When 
she dies, bury her by my side. Fear God, and never sin ; 
keep pride from your heart, and seek the counsel of the 
wise man. 

2. ^^ Do to another what you would wish him to do to 
you. Give alms according to your means: if you have 
much, give much ; if little, give little : but give with a 
good heart. We are poor, it is true ; but, if we fear God, 
and avoid sin, we will receive much.'^ 



Questions to Chapter 64.— What is said of Tobias ? What did he do ? How 
did Tobias lose his sight ? What is said about the kid ? 



THE J0UK:N^EY of the YOUJS'G TOBIAS. 



99 



When the young Tobias heafd his good old father 
speaking in this manner, he fell upon his neck, and, 
weeping, promised to do all he had commanded. 



A.M.3300.J 66.— The Journey of the Young [a. c. too. 

Tobias. 

1. After this advice, Tobias wished to send his son to a 

distant city, called Rages, to collect a debt. Before he 

started, the old man was very anxious to select for him a 

I suitable companion — one who also knew the way. The 




young Tobias went out to seek one, and he found a beau- 
tiful young man standing girded and ready for the road. 
It was the angel Raphael, but Tobias knew it not. 

2. Tobias asked the stranger if he knew the road to 
Rages. He answered, ^^ Yes." Then he led him into the 



Questions to Chapter 65. —What counsels did Tobias give his son ? How 
did the young Tobias act ? 



100 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

house, when the angel promised to lead the younger 
Tobias to Eages and back again. Tobias blessed them, 
and they departed. 

3. At the end of the first day's journey they came to 
the Eiyer Tigris. When Tobias wished to wash his feet, 
a monstrous fish rose up to devour him. The angel bade 
him fear not, but seize the fish and draw it out. Tobias 
did so. Then, according to the directions of the angel^ 
he took out the heart, and the gall, and the liver, and put 
them away to be used for medicine. They then roasted as 
much of the fish as they could eat ; the rest they salted 
and took with them. 

4. When they drew near to a certain city, the angel 
told Tobias that there lived there a man, named Eaguel, 
a near relation ; that, moreover, he had a daughter, named 
Sara, whom he must ask in marriage. When Eaguel saw 
him, and heard who he was, he was exceedingly glad, and 
readily gave him his daughter. Tobias remained with his 
father-in-law during the rejoicings for his marriage, but 
Eaphael went on to Eages and received the money for 
which they had come. 



67.— The Return of Tobias. 

1. When Tobias had been with Eaguel for some time, 
he thought of returning home, lest his father might be 
uneasy at his delay. At first, Eaguel strove to persuade 
him to remain ; but when he saw the young man resolved 
to go, he divided his property, and gave him half as a 
marriage gift, and, blessing him and his daughter, dis- 
missed them. 

2. After they had come some distance on the way, 
Eaphael and Tobias, leaving Sara, and the company to 
follow, went on before. By the advice of the angel, 

Questions to Chapter 66.— Tell the history of Raphael. What is said about 
the fish ? What is said of Raguel ? 



THE RETURN OF TOBIAS. 



101 



Tobias took with him the gall of the fish, which he had 
preseryed. 

Meanwhile the parents of Tobias became very anxious 
at the long delay of their son. His mother wept unceas- 
ingly, and every day went to the top of a neighboring hill, 
from which she could see a great way off. 

3. At length she saw him in the distance, and recognized 
him at once. Then she ran back and told her husband 
that their son was coming. The old man, led by the 
hand, hastened to meet his son, and, kissing him, they 
both wept for joy. In the meantime the dog that had 
accompanied the younger Tobias on his journey ran on 
before, wagging his tail and jumping with delight. 

4. When they had all thanked God for his mercies, 
Tobias anointed his father's eyes with the gall of the fish 
which he had brought with him, and immediately the old 
man recovered his sight. FaUing on his knees, he praised 
God— as well because He had afflicted him with blindness, 
as now because He had cured him. 

Seven days after this, Sara arrived, and, with her, the 
servants, the flocks, and the camels her father had given 
her, besides the money which Gabelus had paid. A 
great feast was made, and they gave themselves up to 
rejoicing. 

^5. When the days of the feast were finished, Tobias 
asked his father what reward they would give the young 
man that had accompanied him, or what recompense 
could be sufficient for all he had done for them. After 
consulting, they called the angel, and offered him half of 
all they possessed, but he refused. Then he bade them 
rejoice and give thanks to God for his mercies to them, to 
pray and to fast, and to fear not : ^^for," said he, ''I am 
Raphael, one of the angels that stand before God, and 
have been sent by the Lord to heal you." 

6. When they heard this, they were much troubled, 
and fell with their faces to the ground. But the angel 
said to them : ^^Fear not ; it was God's will I should be 
with you ; bless Him and sing His praise." Then he dis- 



102 HISTORY OE THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

appeared^ but they continued to praise God and to pub- 
lish all His wonders. At a good old age they were both 
gathered to their fathers, full of grace before God and 
men. 

^^> ^" 

THE KINGDOM OF JUDA FROM THE YEAR 975 TO THE BIRTH 
OF JESUS CHRIST. 



A. M. 3025.] 68. — A Summary of the Principal [a. c. 975. 

Events. 

1. From the death of King Roboam to the year 588 
before Christ, eighteen princes of the house of Dayid 
successively governed Juda. Some of them were men of 
wisdom, who, fearing God, listened to the prophets that 
were sent to them ; but many of them were wicked and 
perverse, who gave themselves up to idolatry and led the 
people into sin. 

2. To punish these latter, in the year 606 God permitted 
Jerusalem to be taken by the Babylonians, and the prin- 
cipal men among the Jews to be led into captivity. 
Eighteen years afterwards — that is, in the year 588 before 
Christ — the entire population of Juda was carried into 
Babylon, and the kingdom of Juda destroyed. 

3. For seventy years the Jews remained captives in 
Babylon, until they learned to humble themselves and 
acknowledge their sins. During their captivity their 
faith was strengthened by the words of the prophets, and 
by their piety they edified their conquerors, and spread 
amongst them a knowledge of the Redeemer. 

4. At the end of. seventy years — 536 before Christ — 
God led the Jews back to their own country. They 

Questions to Chapter 67.— What did Raguel divide ? What is said of the 
meeting of the old and young Tobias ? How did Tobias recover his sight ? 
What is said of Sara ? What was offered to Raphael ? What did he say ? 



THE KINGS OF JUDA FROM ROBOAM TO EZECHIAS. 103 

immediately rebuilt Jerusalem and the temple, and for 
two hundred years lived in peace and contentment. 

After the death of Alexander the Great — 323 years 
before Christ — they were again persecuted by different 
nations, until Herod, a stranger, ascended the throne of 
David. Then, according to the prophecy of Jacob, the 
time was come when Christ should be born. 



69. — The Kings of Juda from Roboam to 
Ezechias. 

1. Abia, a brave but wicked prince, succeeded his 
father, Eoboam, on the throne of Juda. In turn he was 
succeeded by Asa, who, in the beginning, ruled with 
Justice, and by his many brilliant victories added to the 
glory of Juda, but at last ended in forgetting God. 

2. Josaphat, who succeeded him, was better than any 
of his three predecessors. He abolished idolatry, and 
appointed God-fearing men to judge the people and teach 
them the law of God. For his piety, God gave him the 
victory over his enemies. 

3. Josaphat was succeeded by his son Joram, a cruel 
and idolatrous prince, who, in turn, was succeeded by 
Ochozias, as wicked as his j)redecessor. Ochozias was 
succeeded by his wife, Athalia, who, for seven years, 
committed all kinds of abominations in Juda. 

She murdered all the children of the royal family, 
Joas, the grandson of Ochozias, excepted, who was hidden 
by Joiada the high-priest. He afterwards ascended the 
throne, and, during the life-time of Joida, was a virtuous 
and pious prince, but, after the death of the high-priest, 
like so many of his predecessors, fell into idolatry. 

4. Amasias, Ozias, and Joatham successively reigned in 

Questions to Chapter 68. — What is said of David's successors? When 
were the Jews carried into Babylon ? How long did they remain in captivity ? 
When did the Jews return ? What was rebuilt ? 



104 HISTOEY OF THE OLD TESTAME:N^T. 

Juda. In some respects they were better than then' pre- 
decessors ; yet they often fell into idolatry. . 

Once Ozias wished to usurp the duties of the priest- 
hood, and, entering into the temple, insisted upon burning 
incense before the Lord. The priests boldly resisted him, 
and ordered him to leave the sanctuary. 

5. Ozias became exceedingly angry, and threatened to 
strike the priests with the censer he held in his hand. On 
the instant he was struck by the hand of God, and covered 
with a leprosy that never left him. Until the day of 
his death, Ozias remained a public example of how God 
punishes the presumption of a layman who assumes the 
duties of a priest. 



A.M. 3301] 70. — The Pious King Ezechias. [a. c. 699. 

1. The noble and pious Ezechias ascended the throne 
of Juda after the death of Achaz, the wicked and idol- 
atrous son of Joatham. Like David, he was a man 
according to God's own heart. He purified the temple 
and abolished idolatry, for which God blessed him, and 
Juda rose in power and influence. 

2. During his reign, Sennacherib, the King of Assyria, 
laid siege to Jerusalem, but Ezechias feared not. While 
the Assyrians lay round about the city, Ezechias went to 
the temple and prayed to the Lord. He also sent the 
priests, clad in their robes of mourning, to Isaias the 
prophet, begging him also to pray in their behalf. The 
Lord heard his prayer, and in the night sent His angel 
into the camp of the Assyrians, and there were slain ere 
the morning a hundred and eighty thousand of the enemy. 
The rest perished in their flight. 

3. About this time, Ezechias fell seriously ill, and the 
prophet Isaias came to him and warned him to arrange 
his affairs, for he was about to die. When the king heard 

Questions to Chapter 69, — What is said of the successors of Roboam? 
What is said of Ozias ? 



KIKGS PKECEDIKG THE BABYLONISH CAPTIVITY. 105 

this, he became greatly alarmed, and, turning his face to 
the temple, prayed earnestly to the Lord. His prayer was 
heard, and fifteen years were added to his life. His reign 
w^as one of the most glorious in the history of Juda. 



71.— The Kings immediately preceding the 
Babylonish Captivity. 

1. Manasses succeeded his father, Ezechias, on the throne 
of Juda. He was a wicked prince, and wantonly shed 
the blood of the innocent. He rebuilt the altars of the 
false gods which his father had destroyed ; and, influenced 
by his bad example, the people " became more sinful than 
even the pagans. As a punishment for his crimes, God 
permitted this wicked king to fall into the hands of the 
Assyrians, who led him a captiye to Babylon. 

2. In his captivity he learned to acknowledge his faults, 
and to do penance for his sins. God took compassion on 
him, and brought him back to Jerusalem, where, in his 
latter days, he strove to repair the scandals of his early 
reign. 

3. His son Amnion succeeded him, only to imitate him 
in his wickedness, but his grandson Josias, strove to follow 
the example of his latter days. During the reign of Josias, 
idolatry w^as rooted out and religion restored. That he 
might not see the evils that were about to come upon the 
kingdom of Juda, God took him to Himself, after a short 
reign of nine years. 

4. He was succeeded by Joachaz, Joachim, and Sede- 
cias — all wicked princes — who led the people away from 
God, and, by their idolatries, brought about the captivity 
of Babylon. AVith but few exceptions, Juda was cursed 
with bad kings. Her history is sin, and its punishment. 

Questions to Chapter 70.— What is said of Ezechias? How was Senna- 
cherib defeated ? How many were killed ? What was added to the life of 
Ezechias ? 



106 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAME:N^T. 

until, at length, she ended in crucifying Jesus Christ, and 
being cast off by God. 



72.— The Prophets. 

1. From the beginning of the reign of Eoboam to the 
captivity of Sedecias, God raised up men gifted with 
special powers, and into whom he breathed his own Spirit. 
These were the Prophets, whom He sent to preach penance 
to the people, and to threaten kings with the judgments 
that awaited them if they continued to forget God. 

2. The most renowned of the prophets who rose during 
the early history of Juda were Joel, Micheas, and Isaias. 
These prophets were generally poor men, but bold in the 
power of God ; nor did they fear to resist kings, or to cry 
out against their sins. 

3. At their preaching, many repented, and for a while 
returned to God. For their fearless war against sin, and 
their open denunciations of both kings and people, some 
of them were put to death. Though dead, their words 
liyed in the hearts of the just, among whom the true faith 
was preserved, and by whom the hopes and promises that 
had been made of the Redeemer that was to come were 
handed down to cheer the world. 



73. — The Captivity of Babylon. 

(from 606 TO 536 YEARS A. C.) 

1. After the death of the pious King Josias, Nebucho- 
donosor. King of Babylon, came and besieged Jerusalem. 
When he had taken the city, he carried back with him to 
Babylon the principal men of the nation, together with a 

Questions to Chapter 71. — What is said of Manasses? How did God 
punish him ? How did he end his days ? What is said of Josias ? What is said 
of Juda ? 

Questions to Chapter 72. — Who were the prophets ? Who were much re- 
nowned ? What did they preach ? How did some of them die ? 



THE CAPTIVITY OF BABYLOJN^. 107 

part of the sacred vessels of the temple. This happened 
in the year 606 before Christ, and was the beginning of 
what in history is known as the " Babylonian Captivity!^ 

2. Three years after this, Nebuchodonosor returned to 
Jerusalem, and carried Jechonias, the king, back with 
him to Babylon. He also, on this occasion, carried with 
him into capivity a great part of the people, besides 
immense treasures. He left Sedecias to rule over the 
remnant of Juda. 

3. Sedecias revolted, and Nebuchodonosor returned for 
the third time, and destroyed Jerusalem, and burned the 
gorgeous and magnificent temple of Solomon, carrjdng 
with him nearly the entire Jewish people. He put out 
the eyes of Sedecias, and, loading him with chains, carried 
him a captive to Babylon. This happened in the year 
588 before Christ. 

4. At this time lived Jeremias the prophet, who, long 
before, had warned the people of the destruction that was 
about to come upon them. Alone and in sorrow, he con- 
tinued to weep over Jerusalem, and at times presented 
himself to the people with a chain round his neck, as a 
sign of the captivity that was near at hand. But his 
warnings were received with curses and persecutions. 

5. When at length Jerusalem w^as destroyed, Jeremias 
remained to console the remnant of the nation that was 
left, and to weep amid the ruins of the once glorious 
city. 

In his gTand Lamentations, Jeremias cries out from the 
depth of his sorrow : " How sorrowful, alas ! are the ways 
that lead to Mount Moria ; there are now none to come to 
the feast. The gates of tlie city are destroyed ; the priests 
weep ; the virgins are without ornament. you who 
pass by the way, see if there is sorrow like unto my sor- 
row ! Alas ! is this the city of magnificence, the perfect 
in beauty, the joy of the world ? " 

6. During their captivity the Jews did penance for their 
sins and became sincerely converted to the Lord. Nebu- 
ohodonosor was kind and considerate to them ; but they 



108 HISTOEY OF THE OLD TESTAMEi^^T. 

wept and sighed to return to their country. " By the 
rivers of Babylon/' cried they, ''we sat and wept when 
we remembered Sion. On the branches of the willoAV- 
trees we hung up our harps ; for how could we sing the 
songs of Sion in a strange land ? '^ 



A.M. 3410] 74.— Daniel and the Three Young [a. c. 590. 

Men. 

1. Amongst the captives at Babylon were several youths 
of the royal race. Amongst these were Daniel and his 
three companions, Azarias, Ananias, and Misael. By the 
command of king Nebuchodonosor, they were selected, as 
well for the beauty of their persons as for their intelli- 
gence, and orders were given to feed them daily from the 
royal table. 

2. But by the Jewish law several kinds of meats were 
forbidden to be eaten. These young men fearing they 
Avould be required to eat of these forbidden meats, came 
to the chief eunuch of the king, and begged him to let 
them, for ten days, be fed on pulse, and to drink water 
only, and then if thej^ were not fatter and fairer than 
those who were fed from the king's table, they would 
submit and eat what he wished. 

3. The proposition pleased Malasar, the chief eunuch, 
and at the end of ten days their faces were fatter and fairer 
than those who had been jEed from the king's table. From 
this time forward they were fed on pulse and water only. 

4. God gave them, besides comeliness of person, great 
abundance of wisdom, so that when sometime afterward 
they were called before the king, none were found equal 
to them. Thus they were selected and placed in the 
service of Nebuchodonosor. 

Questions to Chapter 73.— What is said of Nebuchodonosor ? When did he 
return ? What did he carry with him ? Who was left ? What happened to 
Jerusalem and the temple ? What is said of Jeremias ? What is said of the 
Lamentations ? What is said of the Jews in captivity ? 

Questions to Chapter 74— Tell the history of Daniel and his companions. 



DA^^IEL SAVES SUSAKi^A. 109 



A.M. 3410.] 75.— Daniel saves Susanna. [a. c 590. 

1. Among the Jewish captives at Babylon was a man, 
named Joachim, as distinguished for his goodness as his 
wife, Susanna, was for her beauty and her virtue. Many 
of the Jews came to his house, for there two of the 
ancients were wont to administer justice. 

2. Joachim had an orchard near his house, where his 
wife, Susanna, was accustomed to walk at mid-day. The 
two judges, who were wicked men, knew this, and one day 
concealed themselves in the orchard. According to cus- 
tom, Susanna came in to walk, when they came to her 
and strove to persuade her to commit sin with them, but 
she refused. They then threatened to accuse her before 
the people. 

3. When Susanna saw herself thus straitened on every 
side, she knew not what to do. ^'If I yield," said she, 
" I am ruined before God ; and if I do not, I will not 
escape your hands. However, it is better to fall into your 
hands innocent, than to sin agailist God." 

So she cried with a loud voice, and the old men cried 
also. When the people were come together, the two men 
accused Susanna. 

4. On the morrow Susanna was cited before the tribu- 
nal. She came accompanied by her parents and friends, 
all weeping for the disgrace that had happened to them. 
The old men renewed their charge, and faith was placed 
in their words. Susanna was condemned to death, but 
she prayed to the Lord and He heard her. 

5. When they were leading her forth to be stoned, 
Daniel, enlightened by the Spirit of God, cried out : " Let 
there be another trial ; these men have borne false wit- 
ness." The people, hearing this, returned in haste. 

6. Then Daniel commanded the two old men to be 
separated one from the other. When this was done, 
Daniel asked the first, under what tree he had seen 
Susanna. He answered: ''Under a mastic-tree." He 



\ 



110 



HISTOKY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



was then put aside and tlie other asked^ ^^ Under what 
tree he had seen the woman." He answered: ^"^ Under 
a holm-tree.'^ 




7. When the people heard their contradictory stories^ 
they saw how false had been their accusation against the 
yirtuous Susanna^ and praised God who thus preserved 
those who trusted in Him. 

From that day^ Daniel was great in the eyes of the 
people. 



A.M. 3417.] 76. — The Three Young Men in the [a. c. 583. 
Fiery Furnace. 

1. Nebuchodonosor made a statue of gold^ and setting 
it np^ commanded the grandees and people of his king- 
dom to fall down and adore it. Every one obeyed^ Ananias^ 

Questions to Chapter 75.— Tell the history of Susanna. Where was Su- 
sanna cited on the morrow ? To what was she condemned ? Who saved 
Susanna ? How ? 



THE THREE YOUKG MEX IX THE FIERY PURXACE. Ill 

Misael, and Azarias excei3ted. Daniel was not present, or 
he also would have disobeyed. The Babylonians, seeing 
that the three young men would not adore the idol, 
accused them to the king. 

2. When J^ebuchodonosor saw that even he could not 
induce them to adore his statue, filled with fury, he or- 
dered a furnace to be heated seven times more than usual, 
and the young men to be thrown into it. His order was 




immediately obeyed. However, the m_en who threw them 
in were burned to death. 

3. An angel descended with the three young men, 
whilst God sent a soft, de^vy air, that blew within the 
furnace like an evening breeze. Not a hair of their heads 
was singed, nor were their clothes touched by the fire. 

4. When the king heard this wonder, he came and 
looked into the furnace himself. ^^ Did Ave not," he asked, 
"cast three men, bound, into the fire ? Behold ! I see 
four loose, and unhurt ; and the fourth is like the Son of 
God." Then the king cried out: ''Servants of God, 
come forth." 



112 HISTOKY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

5. They obeyed ; and when the king saw there was no 
sign of fire upon them^, he thanked God, who had thus 
saved His servants, because they had preferred to die 
rather than sin. Nebuchodonosor also pubhshed a decree 
that no one should blaspheme against the God of the 
Jews. The young men were advanced to the highest 
dignities. 



A. M. 3466.] 77. — Daniel and King Baltassar. [a. c. 534. 

1. After Nebuchodonosor's death, his grandson, Baltas- 
sar, reigned in Babylon. He made a great feast for his 
nobles and their wives. When they were all full of wine, 
the king ordered the golden vessels which his grandfather, 
JSTebuchodonosor, had brought from the temple of Jerusa- 
lem, to be brought in, that he and his guests might drink 
from them. Whilst they were drinking, a hand appeared 
upon the wall, and wrote certain words. 

2. When Baltassar saw this, he became greatly troubled, 
and, trembling with fear, sent for his soothsayers ; but 
no one could interpret the handwriting. Then Daniel 
was sent for. 

He said : '' These are the words : MA:NrE, Thecel, 
Phares ; and this is the interpretation : Mane — the days 
of thy kingdom are numbered, and it is at an end ; 
TTiecel — thy merits are w^eighed in the balance, and thou 
art found wanting ; Phares — thy kingdom is divided and 
given to the Modes and Persians." 

3. That same night this prophecy was fulfilled. The 
Medes and the Persians, by turning the bed of the Eiver 
Euphrates, entered Babylon during the night, and Bal- 
tassar was slain, and his kingdom divided. Darius the 
Mede succeeded to the kingdom of Babylon. 

Questions to Chapter 76.— Tell the history of the golden statue ? What was 
done to the three young men ? How were they saved ? 

Questions to Chapter 77.— What happened to Baltassar ? What was the 
handwriting ? Who interpreted it ? Was it fulfilled ? How ? 



DANIEL AND THE IDOL BEL. 113 



78.— Daniel and the Idol Bel. 

1. Cyrus^ King of Persia, soon made himself master of 
Babylon. He showed much attention to Daniel, and often 
invited him to his table. One day, Cyrus asked Daniel 
why he would not adore Bel, the god of the Babylonians. 
Daniel answered that he adored only the living God, by 
Avhom all things were created. 

2. But the king said : ^^ So is Bel a living god ; he eats 
daily a dozen measures of flour and forty sheep, and, 
besides, drinks six pitchers of wine." But Daniel only 
laughed at him, and bade the king not be deceived : 
^^for clay and brass could not eat." Then Cyrus sent 
for the priests of Bel, and told them what Daniel had 
said. 

3. The priests proposed that the king should himself 
place the meats before Bel, and seal the door of the tem- 
ple, and if, on the morrow, they were not eaten, then 
they would willingly suffer death. This proposition 
pleased Cp-us. 

4. When Cyrus had put the priests out of the temple, 
he set the meats before Bel. But Daniel, in the presence 
of the king, sifted fine ashes on the floor of the temple. 
They then closed the door, and sealed it with the king's 
ring. 

During the night, as was their custom, the priests en- 
tered the temple by a secret door, and, together with their 
wives and their children, eat up the sacrifices that were 
placed before the idol. 

5. Early in the morning, C}tus and Daniel came to the 
temple, and found the seals unbroken. When they en- 
tered, and the king saw the empty table, he cried out : 
" Great is Bel, and he can not be deceived." But Daniel 
pointed to the footprints that were upon the pavement. 
Having examined the place a little closer, the secret door 
was found under the table on which the meats had been 
placed. When the king saw how he had been deceived, 



114 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMEKT. 

he killed the priests^ and Daniel destroyed the god Bel, 
and burned his temple. 

A.M.3466.J 79.— Daniel in the Lions' Den. [a. c. 534. 

1. Besides the god Bel, the Babylonians also adored a 
great dragon. Cyrus said one day to Daniel : ^^Howeyer, 
you can not say this is not a liying god." Daniel, without 
discussing the king's words, proposed to kill the dragon 
without sword or club. When Cyrus consented, Daniel 
boiled pitch and fat together, into which he mixed hair. 
He then made balls of the mixture, and, putting them 
into the dragon's mouth, the so-called god burst asunder. 

2. When the Babylonians heard what had happened, 
they came, in great fury, and demanded that Daniel be 
delivered up to them. At first, Cyrus refused ; but at 
length yielded to the fury of the mob. Daniel was de- 
livered to them, and they cast him into the lions' den. 
On purpose, no food was given to the seven furious lions 
that were there confined, with the hope that Daniel 
would be the sooner devoured ; but Daniel remained 
unhurt. 

3. After six days, Daniel was hungry. Now, at this 
time, there lived amid the ruins of Jerusalem a prophet, 
named Habecuc. He had boiled some pottage, and was 
carrying it to the reapers that were in the field. 

While on the way, an angel appeared to him, and ordered 
him to carry the dinner he had in his hands to Daniel, 
who was then in the lions' den. Habecuc answered : 
" He had never been in Babylon, and did not know the 
den of which he spoke." The angel took Habecuc by the 
hair of the head and, with the rapidity of lightning, car- 
ried him to Babylon, and placed him over the den where 
Daniel was. 

4. When Daniel had eaten the dinner thus so miracu- 
lously sent him, he thanked God, who had not forgotten 

Questions to Chapter 78. — What is said of Bel ? How did Daniel unde- 
ceive Cyrus ? 



DANIEL I:N^ the LIOKS' DEN. 



115 



him in his distress. But the angel carried back Habecuc, 
and placed him where he had found him. 

5. On the seventh day the king came to the lions' den, 
and found Daniel quietly sitting in the midst of the wild 
beasts. When Cyrus saw this, he was much astonished, 
and immediately caused Daniel to be drawn out, and his 




persecutors to be thrown in. Before these wicked men 
had fallen to the bottom of the den, they w^ere torn to 
pieces, and devoured by the starved and angry lions. The 
king also published an edict, in which he commanded all 
to venerate and fear the God of Daniel, because He was 
the Savior working sigTis and wonders upon earth. 

6. The young men in the furnace and Daniel in the lions' den 
were figures of Christ. Daniel came forth from the lions unhurt, 
Christ rose from the tomb glorious and immortal. Daniel remained 
with the Jews during their long captivity to console and cheer them, 
so does Christ remain with His Church to guard and protect her 
against her enemies. 



Questions to Chapter 79.— How did Daniel kill the dragon? What was 
done to Daniel ? Who brought food to Daniel ? How was Daniel delivered ? 
Who were figures of Christ ? How ? 



116 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

A. M. 3468.] 80. — The Jews return from Captivity, [a. c. 532. 

1. When the seventy years of captiyity foretold by the 
prophets were finished;, God moved the heart of Artaxerxes, 
King of the Medes and Persians, with compassion for the 
captives. In the year 532 before Christ, Artaxerxes pub- 
lished an edict that the Jews might return to Jerusalem 
and rebuild the temple of the Lord. 

2. Under the leadership of Zorobabel, a prince of the 
people, more than forty thousand Jews returned at this 
time. Artaxerxes Avas very kind to them, giving them 
money, and restoring the vessels of gold and silver Nebu- 
chodonosor had taken away. When the people arrived at 
Jerusalem, they built an altar, until the temple could be 
finished. For twenty-one years they labored upon the 
new temple. When it was finished, and the old men came 
to see it, they wept and lamented, for its magnificence 
was not to be compared to the temple of Solomon. 

3. Twenty years after Zorobabel had gone to Jerusalem, 
Esdras, a holy priest, gathered together many of the Jews 
that still remained ni Babylon and led them back to their 
own country. Here, with the aid of his saintly friend, 
Nehemias, he strove to instruct the people in the law of 
God, and purify them from the abominations which they 
had contracted among their pagan masters. 

4. Xehemias moreover urged the people to rebuild 
Jerusalem. With ready willingness they followed his 
example, and, from the high-priest to the least among 
them, each put his liand to the work. 

When the Samaritans saw with what rapidity the city 
rose from its ashes, fearing for their own safety, they 
strove by plots and falsehoods to stop the work ; but they 
failed. So earnestly did every body work, that at the end 
of fifty-two days the walls of Jerusalem, and the gates, and 
the towers were finished. In time, the city also was built up. 

Questions to Chapter 80.— Under whom did the Jews return ? What did 
they build ? What is said of the new temple ? Who led many of the Jews back ? 
What did Esdras and Nehemias do ? W^hat did the Samaritans strive to do ? 



THE PROPHETS AFTER THE CAPTIVITY. 117 



81. — The Prophets after the Captivity. 

1. During the long captivity of Babylon, the prophets, 
Jeremias, Daniel, and Esechiel, instructed and sustained 
the Jews by their prophecies. After their return to Jeru- 
salem, God raised up others to cheer and encourage His 
people. Amongst these latter were Aggeus and Zacharias, 
by whose prophecies, that the Messiah would one day 
enter this new temple, the people were strongly encouraged 
to push on the Avork. It was in this sense they said : 
^'^The glory of the second temple will be far greater than 
the glory of the first. '^ 

2. The last of the prophets whom God raised up among 
the Jews, was Malachias who lived about four hundred 
years before Christ. He preached against the hyjDocrites 
of his day, and more especially against the priests. Mala- 
chias is remarkable for his celebrated prophecy: ^^That 
God would reject the sacrifices of the Old Law, and in 
their place institute a New Sacrifice^ that would not cease 
from the rising to the setting of the sun." This prophecy 
is fulfilled in the sacrifice of the Mass. 

3. About the year 277 A. C, the Old Testament was 
translated from the Hebrew into Greek. This translation 
is known as the Septuagint. When this was done, Greek 
was spoken everywhere ; hence, by this translation a 
knowledge of the sacred Scriptures, and more particularly 
of the prophecies concerning the Messiah, was scattered 
among the pagan nations. 

4. About the same time also, under the inspiration of 
God, a Jew, named Jesus, the son of Sirach, wrote a book 
of pious sentences. The object of the book was to teach 
men truth and lead them to God. This book is known as 
the book of Ecclesiasticus. 



Questions to Chapter 81. — Who were the prophets during the captivity? 
Who were after ? What is said of Malachias ? What is the Septuagint ? Who 
wrote the book of Ecclesiasticus ? 



118 HISTOEY OF THE OLD TESTAMEKT. 



A. M. 3495.] 82. — Esther. [a. c. 505. 

1. The great kindness shown by the kings of Persia to 
the Jews induced many of them to remain in Babylon. 
Amongst these was Esther. 

During the reign of Assuerus, Esther lived with her 
uncle, Mardochai. By chance the king saw her, and, 
being much pleased with her, made her his queen. 
• 3. Her uncle, Mardochai, became very uneasy, lest any 
thing would happen to his adopted daughter ; hence, he 
stood daily before the king's palace. While Mardochai 
thus watched over the interest of his adopted child, he 
one day discovered a conspiracy, by which two oflBcers 
intended to kill the king. Instantly he warned Esther, 
who told Assuerus. The officers were put to death, and 
the event put in the annals of the kingdom. 

3. Some time after this, the king raised Aman to the 
highest dignities in the state. All the king's servants 
bent the knee before him, Mardochai excepted. When 
Aman noticed this, he became exceedingly angry, and 
resolved on the destruction of the obstinate Jew. 

4. That he might the better accomplish his object, 
Aman pretended that the Jews were about to revolt, and 
succeeded in persuading the king to publish an edict, that 
all of them that were in his kingdom should on the same 
day be put to death, together with their wives and their 
children, and all their possessions be confiscated to the 
crown. 

5. When Mardochai heard the news, he hastened to 
Esther and urged her to plead for her people. But there 
was a law forbidding any subject to present himself before 
the king, unless called. Esther resolved to brave the 
danger. She clothed herself in her most gorgeous apparel, 
and, begging God to bless her mission, presented herself 
to the king while he was sitting on his throne. 

6. Esther threw herself at the king's feet, but fainted 
at sight of his angry look. When Assuerus saw the dis- 



ESTHER. 



119 



tress of his queen, he relented, and, descending from his 
throne, raised her up and supported her till she recoyered. 
Then the king said to her : " Fear not, Esther ; you shall 
not die. AVhat do you wish ? '^ The' queen merely asked 
him to bring Aman with him, and come the following 
evening to the banquet she had prepared. The king 
promised to come. 




7. During the night the king could not sleep, and, to 
amuse himself, ordered the annals of his reign to be read 
for him. When it came to the conspiracy which Mardochai 
had discovered, the king asked what reward Mardochai 
had received for what he had done. Being answered, 
^^None," Assuerus sent for Aman, and asked: ^^What 
ought to be done to the man whom the king wished to 
honor ? " 

8. Aman, thinking the king wished to honor himself, 
said : ^^The man whom the king would honor should be 
clothed in the royal robes, and be placed on the king's 
horse, and the first of the king's princes should walk 
before him and cry aloud : ' Thus shall he be honored 
whom the king wishes to honor.' " The king then bade 
Aman go and do to Mardochai, the Jew, as he had coun- 
seled. Aman dared not disobey the king. 



120 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

9. In the meantime the hour for the queen's feast came 
on, and Aman hastened to attend. During the feast, the 
king asked Esther what she wished, promising to give 
even to the half of his kingdom. The queen asked but 
for her life and the lives of her people. When the king 
heard how his confidence had been abused, and how, under 
false pretenses, the Jews were about to be destroyed, he 
became angry, and asked who had dared to do this thing. 
Esther answered, '^Aman.'' 

10. The king rose in great fury, and, calling together 
his eunuchs, asked what he would do. But one said : 
''Aman has prepared a gibbet fifty cubits high on which 
to hang Mardochai." Then the king said : " Hang Aman 
on it." 

That very hour Aman was hung, and Mardochai invested 
with his dignity. The edict against the Jews was revoked, 
and many of the pagans were converted. 

11. Queen Esther was a figure of the Blessed Virgin. Esther 
was alone exempted from the rigors of the Persian law ; the Blessed 
Virgin was alone exempted from original sin. Esther saved her 
people ; Mary gave a Savior to the world. 

Mardochai was the faithful guardian of Esther ; Joseph was the 
guardian of Jesus and Mary. Mardochai was placed in the highest 
office of state ; Joseph holds one of the highest places in heaven. 



83.— Judith. 

1. When the Jews were reestablished in their own 
country, God, in a most w^onderful manner, again de- 
livered them by the hands of a woman. Holofernes, an 
Assyrian general, advanced into Judea with a powerful 
army. He took many of the cities, and treated the inhab- 
itants with extreme cruelty. At length he laid siege to 

Questions to Chapter 82.— Tell the history of Esther. What did Mardo- 
chai do ? What is said of Aman ? What did Esther do ? What was the result ? 
What counsel did Aman give ? Where did Aman hasten to go ? What happened 
to Aman ? What happened to Mardochai ? How is Esther a figure of the 
Blessed Virgin ? 



JUDITH. 



121 



Betliulia, and, cutting off the aqueduct by which the city 
was supplied with water, the inhabitants were soon reduced 
to the last extremity. 

2. When they saw themselves in this condition, they 
agreed to surrender if, within five days, they received no 
help. There was within the city a young widow, named 
Judith, of great wealth ^nd beauty. When she heard the 
resolution to which the leaders had come, she laid aside 
the garments of her widowhood, and, anointing herself, 
put on her richest ornaments. 

3. Thus arrayed, she went, accompanied by her servant, 
to the Assyrian camp. God also added to her beauty. 
When Holofernes saw her, he received her most kindly, 
and gave orders to his servants to permit her to come and 
to go at her pleasure. 




4. Four days after her arrival in the Assyrian camp, 
Holofernes gave a great banquet to the officers of his 
army. Late in the night, he threw himself upon his bed, 
and, being drunk, slept heavily. Judith drew near the 
bed on which Holofernes lay, and, praying to God to 



122 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAME^^T. 

strengthen her arm, took the sword that hung at the top 
of the bed and cut off his head. 

5. Then she put the head in a bag, and gave it to her 
servant, and, hastening from the Assyrian camp, came to 
Bethulia. When she had assembled the leaders and the 
people, she shoAved them the head of Holof ernes, and bade 
them praise the Lord, who had protected her from sin, 
and, by her hands, killed their enemy. 

6. The Jews, seeing how God had thus fought for them, 
hung the head of Holof ernes from the walls of the city, 
and, going forth, attacked the Assyrians, who, without a 
leader, w^ere easily overcome, and many of them slain. 

Judith was much esteemed, not only by the inhabitants 
of her native city, but by all Judea ; and when she died, 
all the people wept. 



A. M. 3837.] 84.— Eleazar the Martyr. [a. c. m. 

1. In the year 333 before Christ, Alexander the Great 
put an end to the kingdom of Persia, which had ruled 
over the Jew^s since the time of Cyrus. After this, they 
fell into the power of the kings of Egypt, and finally 
under the power of the kings of Syria. 

2. Among these latter, Antiochus was very cruel. He 
burned the sacred books, and forbade, under pain of death, 
any one to observe the Law. Many basely apostatized, 
while, on the other hand, many remained faithful, pre- 
ferring death to sin. 

3. Among these latter was the venerable Eleazar, an 
old man of ninety years of age, and much esteemed for 
his knowledge of the Law. Antiochus commanded him 
to eat the flesh of swine, threatening him with death if he 
refused. But his religion forbade him to obey, and the 
brave old man would rather die than offend God. 

Questions to Chapter 83. — What is the history of Judith? Whose head 
did she cut off? What did the Jews do? What was done at the death of 
Judith ? 



THE MARTYRDOM OF THE SEVEN MACHABEES. 123 

4. His friends strove to persuade him to yield ; nay, 
even urged him to save his life by pretending to eat the 
forbidden flesh, though he did not. But Eleazar scorned 
deceit: '' I may deceive men/' said he, ''but I can not 
deceive God, and my example might lead others astray."' 
The old man suffered a cruel death, but truth triumphed 
in his sufferings. 

A. M. 3837.] 85.— The Martyrdom of the Seven [a. c. i63. 
Machabees. 

1. Amongst others that were brought before Antiochus 
were the seven Machabees and their mother.- When they 
were ordered to eat the forbidden flesh of the swine, they 
refused, and said they would rather die than break the laws 
of God. 

2. When the king heard this, he became very angiy, 
and ordered the seven brothers to be beaten with rods. 
But the heroic youths still refusing to obey, Antiochus 
commanded frying-pans and brazen cauldrons to be made 
hot. Then the executioners seized the eldest and cut out 
his tongue ; after this they tore off the skin from his 
head, and chopped off his hands and his feet, and at last 
threw him into the red-hot frying-pan. His mother and 
his brothers stood encouraging him and exhorting him to 
persevere. 

3. When the first was dead, the second oldest was 
brought, and the skin of his head also pulled off. He, 
too, was asked if he would eat the forbidden meat ; but 
he boldly answered, ^^No." He was tormented as his 
brother had been. The third and the fourth, as also the 
fifth and the sixth, willingly offered themselves to the 
executioners, and died proclaiming their faith in God, and 
their hopes of eternal happiness. 

4. The youngest still remained. The king hoped by 

Questions to Chapter 84.— Into whose power did the Jews fall ? What is 
said of Antiochus ? What is said of Eleazar ? 



124 



HISTOKY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



kindness to win him oyer. He promised him honors and 
riches^ even his own friendship^ if he would renounce the 
Jewish rehgion ; but he would not yield. Then the king 
exhorted the mother to persuade her son to save his life, 
but she only the more encouraged her child to be a worthy 
successor of his six martyred brothers. 




5. While his mother was yet speaking to him, he 
boldly cried out : ^^ I will not obey the king, nor will 
I break the law of God." When the king heard this, 
he was greatly incensed, and ordered him to be more 
cruelly tormented than any of the rest. Last of all, 
the mother suffered death with the same heroic con- 
stancy that had marked the sufferings of her seven noble 
sons. 



Questions to Chapter 85.— What is said of the Machabees ? How was the 
eldest brother put to death ? How was the second eldest? How did the others 
die ? How did the king act toward the youngest ? What was done to the 
mother? 



MATHATHIAS AND JUDAS MACHABEUS. 125 



A.M. 3838.] 86.— Mathathias and Judas [a. cm 
Machabeus. 

1. During the reign of Antiochus, there lived in Jiidea 
a priest named Mathathias, who had five sons. When he 
saw the abominations that were committed against the 
Law, and the cruelties with w^hich the people were op- 
pressed, he resolved to free his country. Calling upon all 
those who would defend the Law of God to follow him, 
he fled with his sons and many others into the mountains. 

2. At first he was content with overthrowing the idols 
and the altars of the pagan gods ; then, as his numbers 
increased, he began to make war on the enemies of his 
country. 

After his death, the leadership fell upon his son Judas, 
w^ho, because of his invincible courage, was called Macha- 
beus. Bold as a lion, he met and vanquished the generals 
of Antiochus, one after another. 

3. He also retook Jerusalem, and purified the temple. 
The altar was consecrated anew, amid the sounds of harps, 
and lutes, and cymbals ; the sacrifices w^ere restored, and 
a great feast Avas appointed to celebrate his victories. 

4. When Antiochus heard of the success of the Mach- 
abees, he became very angry. Gathering together an 
immense army, he resolved to lead it himself against 
Jerusalem, and forever destroy the place ; but God's judg- 
ments overtook him on the way. 

One day he fell from his chariot and hurt himself very 
badly. His sores putrified, and worms began to crawl out 
of his wounds ; the flesh fell off from his bones, and the 
whole body sent forth a stench insupportable to himself, 
as well as all around him. 

5. When Antiochus saw how^ grievously he suffered, he 
acknowledged the hand of God in his punishment, and, 
hoping to escape death, humbled himself and lamented 
his cruelty. He even promised to repair, as far as he 
could, the evils he had done. But his repentance was 



126 



HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



insincere, and God listened not to his prayer. He died 
amid the most cruel torments, leaving to the world a 
frightful example of the justice of God. 

6. After his death, his son strove to reconquer Judea ; 
but the Machabees, trusting in God, assembled their fol- 
lowers, and went forth to battle. In the heat of the 
engagement, suddenly there came from heaven five men, 
whose armor shone as the sun, and whose horses were 
covered with golden harness. Two placed themselves on 




either side of Judas, whilst the other three hurled darts 
on the enemy : at the same time the lightning flashed in 
the faces of the Syrians. Stunned and confounded, many 
fell to the ground, whilst the others turned and fled. The 
enemy left twenty thousand infantry and six thousand 
cavalry dead upon the field. 

7. After many victories, Judas established the inde- 
pendence of his country ; yet not without loss. Many of 
the Jews were killed ; but, on examining the bodies of the 
dead, there were found concealed under their coats offer- 



FROM THE MACHABEES TO JESUS CHRIST. 127 

ings that had been stolen from the temples of the pagan 
idols. Then all knew the cause of their death. 



8. When Judas saw why they had been punished, he 
did not despair, but, trusting in the power of prayer and 
the mercy of God, sent twelve thousand drachms of silver 
to Jerusalem, that sacrifices might be offered for them, 
saying : ^^ It is a holy and wholesome thought to pray for 
the dead." 



87.— From the Machabees to Jesus Christ. 

1. After the death of the pious and heroic Judas, his: 
brothers, one after another, were placed at the head of the 
nation. Under their wise guidance, many victories were 
won and peace established, and Judea began again to 

Questions to Chapter 86.— What is said of Mathathias ? What is said of 
Judas Machabeus? How did Antiochus die? How was the son of Antiochus. 
defeated ? What did Judas send to Jerusalem ? Why ? 



128 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

flourish. Unhappily, their successors did not walk in 
their footsteps, and gradually the inconstant Jews fell 
again into sin. 

2. The nation, however, still recognized the one true 
God, and exteriorly observed the forms of the Law, but 
the hearts of the people were far from God. 

Two sects rose up among them : one, the hypocritical 
Pharisees; the other, the incredulous Saddiicees. The 
former placed all perfection in the exterior observance of 
the law ; the latter denied much that was in the law, more 
particularly the resurrection of the dead. 

3. Beyond Judea the w^orld was buried in idolatry and 
abomination ; cruelty and oppression were everywhere, 
and mankind longed for the coming of the Messiah. 
There remained but one thing more— the fulfillment of 
the prophecy made by Jacob to his son Juda ; and this 
was not long delayed. 

4. The successors of the Machabees lived in continual 
war, civil as well as foreign ; brother fought against 
brother ; murder and rapine replaced peace and honesty. 
As a last hope, the Eomans w^ere called in to arbitrate 
between the parties. Soon they filled the country with 
their armies ; the government was seized upon, and Herod, 
a stranger, appointed king of the Jews. Thus perished 
the kingdom of Judea ; the scepter had passed from the 
tribe of Juda; the time was come when the Messiah, the 
Savior, Our Lord Jesus Christ, should come to bless 
the world and save mankind, to whom be praise and 
benediction forever and ever. 

END OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



Questions to Chapter 87. — What is said of the latter history of the Jews? 
W^ho were the Pharisees ? Who were the Sadducees ? What is said of the world 
in general ? What alone was wanting ? Who were brought into Judea ? Why ? 
Who was made king ? For whom was the time come ? 



I 




History of the New Testament. 



F^^RT IT-IRST. 



THE HISTORY OF OUR LORD 
JESUS CHRIST. 



1.— The Birth of John the Baptist Announced. 

1. During the reign of King Herod, there lived in the 
mountains of Judea an aged priest, named Zachary, and 
his wife Elizabeth. Tliongh just before God and other- 
wise happy, there was one drawback : they had no family. 
They had often asked for a son, but their prayers seemed 
unheard. 

2. One day while Zachary, according to the custom of 
the priests, was burning incense within the sanctuary, 
suddenly an angel appeared at the right of the altar. 
Zachary was much frightened ; but the angel bade him 
fear not. Then the angel told him his prayer had at 
length been heard, and his wife Elizabeth, in her old 



IBO 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMEl!^T. 



age, would bear him a son, and he should call his name 
Joh7i. 

3. When Zachary heard this, he began to doubt, and 

to reason with 



himself, saying 
he was old, and 
his wife was old. 
In answer to his 
objections, the 
angel said to 
him : ^^ Because 
you have doubt- 
ed and have not 
believed my 
word, you shall 
be dumb till 
what I have an- 
nounced to you come to pass/' The angel disappeared, 
but Zachary was struck dumb from that moment. 




2. — The Birth of Jesus Announced. 

1. Six months after the events above related, the angel 
Gabriel was sent to Nazareth, a little town in Galilee, to a 
virgin, called Mary. Though of the royal family of David, 
she was very poor in this w^orld's goods ; but, in virtues, 
she was exceedingly rich. A short time before the angel 
appeared to her, she had been married to a poor carpenter, 
called Joseph, who, like herself, also belonged to the house 
of David. 

2. While this humble virgin was deeply absorbed in 
prayer, suddenly the angel Gabriel entered her chamber, 
and said to her : '^Hail, full of grace ! the Lord is with 
thee ; blessed art thou amongst women." 



Questions to Chapter 1. —What is said of Zachary and Elizabeth? What 
Jiappened to Zachary at the altar ^ 



THE BIRTH OF JESUS AKNOUNCED. 



131 



3. When Mary heard these strange and, to her, startling- 
words, she became exceedingly troubled, not knowing 
what they conld mean. But the angel hastened to relieve 
her anxiety, by telling her that God had sent him to an- 
nounce the coming of the Messiah, and that she had been 




chosen to be His mother. When Mary objected that she 
Avas a virgin, and kncAV not man, the angel bade her fear 
not : ^^for the Holy Ghost would come upon her, and the 
power of the Most High would overshadow her, and the 
Holy One that should be born of her should be called the 
Son of God." 

4. To confirm his words, Gabriel told her that her 
cousin Elizabeth had also conceived. When Mary under- 
stood the great things God proposed to do in her, she no 
longer opposed the divine will, but gave her consent. The. 
same moment she consented she became the Mother of 
God. In her was thus fulfilled the promise made in the 
garden of paradise ; that the woman should crush the 
serpent's head. The Son of Mary has indeed conquered 
the devil. 



Questions to Chapter 2.— Who came to Mary? Who was she? What is 
said of Mary y What did Gabriel say to her ? How did Mary act ? To confirm 
his words what did Galjriel tell Mary ? 



132 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



3. — Mary visits Elizabeth. 

1. After the angel left hei% Mary hastened to visit her 
cousin. When she entered the house, Elizabeth was 
suddenly filled with the Holy Ghost, and, in an ecstasy of 
joy, cried out: ^"^ Blessed art thou amongst women, and 
blessed is the fruit of thy womb." 




2. Mary was also carried away with the fullness of the 
grace that was within her, and burst forth into that mag- 
nificent canticle the Church daily sings, and is so well 
known as the Magnificat, viz. : 

^^My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath 
rejoiced in God, my Savior ; because He hath regarded 
the humility of His handmaid. Behold, from henceforth, 
all generations shall call me ihssed, " ^ 

3. Mary remained about three months with Elizabeth ; 



* For eighteen centuries has this prophecy been fulfilled in the Catholic 
Church, by the daily recital of the '' HaU Mary!'' 



THE BIKTH OF JESUS CHRIST. 133 

after this she returned to her own humble home, at 
Nazareth, where she gave herself up to prayer and to the 
duties of her house. 

4.— The Birth of John the Baptist. 

1. When the time was come, Elizabeth brought forth 
a son. It was customary among the Jews to give a name 
to the child at its circumcision. Now, when the neighbors 
gathered together to do for the child as the law required, 
they thought to call him by his father's name. But 
Elizabeth objected, and ordered him to be called John. 

2. Some hesitating, they asked the father ; but he, 
being dumb, took a pen and wrote, ^^ John is the name." 
On the instant Zachary recovered his speech, and began 
to praise God, and to publish His works. 

Fear came upon all when they saw and heard what had 
happened; and, wondering, they asked: ^^What would 
the child become, for the hand of God was with him ? '^ 

3. Soon the news of these wonders was spread through 
the mountains of Judea, and excited in some hopes, in 
others fears, according as each regarded it. 

The child grew, and the Spirit of God was in him. At 
a tender age, John went into the desert, where he remained 
in prayer and penance, until God bade him come into 
Judea and preach to the people of Israel. It was of him 
the prophet Malachias said : ^^I will send my angel, who 
will prepare the way before me." 



A.M. 4000.] 5. — The Birth of Jesus Christ. [a. d. i. 

1. When Joseph discovered the condition of his wife 
Mary, he was very much troubled, and, not understanding 

Questions to Chapter 3. — Where did Mary go? What happened when 
Mary met Elizabeth ? What is said of the Magnificat ? How long did Mai-y stay 
with Elizabeth ? 

Questions to Chapter 4. — What happened at the birth of John ? What at 
bis circuniQision ? How was John regarded ? Where did he go ? 



134 HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 

the deep mystery that surrounded her, resolved to put her 
away secretly. Whilst he was thus debating the matter 
with himself, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in 
sleep and told him to fear not, for Mary had become a 
mother by the overshadowing power of God ; and, more- 
over, the angel bade him call the child, that would be born 
of her, Jesus — that is to say. Savior. Joseph did as he 
was commanded. 

2. Soon after this, Augustus, the Eoman Emperor, 
published an edict that the whole world should be en- 
rolled. This enrollment first began in Judea, and every 
one Avas required to go to his family city, there to be 
enrolled. It was thus Joseph and Mary, being descend- 
ants of David, were forced to go to Bethlehem, the city 
of David. 

3. When they arrived, the city Avas full of strangers, 
and they could find no place in the inns or among their 
friends, and so were forced to seek for shelter in a poor 
stable, near by the gates of the city. It was in this 
wretched place, that but poorly served as a shelter for .the 
ox and the ass, that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and the 
Master of all things, was born. With holy joy and tender 
pare, Mary, the Virgin Mother, wrapped her child in 
swaddling clothes and laid Him in the manger. 

4. The prophecy of Micheas was accomplished : ''And 
thou, Betlilehem, art the least among the cities of Juda, 
but out of thee shall come the Euler of Israel.^' 



6.— The Shepherds. 

1. On the night Christ was born, a few shepherds were 
watching their flocks a short distance from Bethlehem. 
Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and a 

QcTESTiONs TO CHAPTER 5.— What is said of Joseph ? How was he prevented 
from sending Mary away ? What is said of Augustus ? Why did Mary and 
Joseph go to Bethlehem ? Where was Christ horn ? What prophecy was 
fulfilled ? 



THE SHEPHERDS. lo^ 

loo 

■ upf .VSS°" """' "'""' *"-■ «'■-' f- -- 

the angel bade 
them fear not, 
for he came to 
announce to 
them tidings 
of great joy. 
Then he told 
them that, in 
the neighbor- . 
ing city of 
Bethlehem, a 
child had just 
been born, who 
was Christ the 

Lord, and the ^ 

Savior of the world ; and. as a sign of the truth he told 





clothes and laid m a manger. While he was yet speaking! 



136 HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 

a great multitude of angels suddenly appeared and began 
to sing: ^^ Glory to God in the highest^ and peace on 
earth to men of good will.'^ 

2. When the angels disappeared, the shepherds hastened 
to go over to Bethlehem, where they found'the child lying 
in the manger. Wondering, they told Mary and Joseph 
all they had heard, and having adored the infant King, 
returned, glorifying God. 

Eight days after this, the child was circumcised and 
received the name of Jesus. 



7. — The Kings from the East. 

1. Some time after the birth of Christ, there came into 
Jerusalem three eastern kings, asking where they could 
find the new-born King of the Jews, for they had seen 
His star in the east, and were come to adore Him. When 
Herod, the king, heard this, he was very much troubled, 
as was also all Jerusalem. Then he called together the 
chief priests and doctors of the law and asked where 
Christ should be born. They promptly answered, at 
Bethlehem. 

2. When Herod heard this, he called the three kings 
privately to him, and bade them go and search for the 
child, and, when they had found him, to come and tell 
him. So he dismissed them. They had scarcely left 
Jerusalem, w^hen the star they had seen in the east again 
went before them, until it stood over where the child was. 
Entering, they found the infant Savior, and, falling down, 
adored Him. They then presented gifts of gold, and 
frankincense and myrrh. 

3. In the night God warned them in a dream not to 
return to Herod, for he meditated mischief to the child. 
They, therefore, returned another way into their own 
country. 

Questions to Chapter 6.— What is said of the shepherds ? What sign was 
given the shepherds ? Where did they find the child ? When was Jesus cir- 
cumcised ? 



JESUS PRESENTED Iiq^ THE TEMPLE. 



137 




We have also a star, that leads us to the heavenly Jerusalem, 
namely the grace of God, by which we are enlightened and led on 
to the truth taught us by the Church. 



8. — Jesus Presented in the Temple. 

1. Forty days after the birth of Jesus, Mary and Joseph 
carried the child to the temple, that they might present 
Him to the Lord. They also took with them the usual 
offering of the poor — two turtle doves — according as the 
Law prescribed. 

2. At this time there was living at Jerusalem a man 
named Simeon. He was very pious, and the Holy Ghost 
had revealed to him that he should not die until he had 
seen the Savior. When Mary and Joseph entered the 



Questions to Chapter 7.— Where did the wise men come from ? How did 
Herod act towards them ? What again appeared ? What did they find ? Wliat 
did they olfer ? How did they return to their own country? 



138 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



temple, Simeon, led by the Spirit, also entered. Seeing 
the child, he took Him in his arms, and cried out : 
''Now, Lord, dismiss Thy servant in peace, because my 
eyes have seen Thy salvation." 




3. After this, he blessed Mary and Joseph ; but he 
warned her that a sword of sorrow should one day pierce 
her heart. 

While Simeon was speaking, a prophetess, named Ann, 
entered the temple. She also took the child in her arms, 
and, praising God, went forth, publishing the news to all 
who were looking for the redemption of Israel. 



9. — The Flight into Egypt. 

1. Herod, seeing the Magi did not return to him, be- 
came very angry, and, resolving to destroy this new-born 



Questions to Chapter 8 —When was Jesus presented in the temple 5 What 
happened ? What did Simeon do and say? What did Ann do ? 



THE FLIGHT IKTO EGYPT. 



139 



King, ordered all the children in Bethlehem and the 
country round about to be put to death. He foolishly 
thought Jesus would surely be killed among the rest, 
little dreaming how easily God could shield Him. 

2. Whilst Herod was preparing for the murder of the 
holy innocents, an 
angel appeared to 
Joseph in his sleep, 
and told him to 
take the child and 
its mother and flee 
into Egypt, and to 
remain there until 
told to return. 
Without a word of 
complaint, Joseph 
rose, and, taking 
the child and its mother, went into Egypt. 

3. He had scarce gone, when Herod's messengers came 
to Bethlehem, and, tearing the children from their 





mother's arms, murdered them. Every house was filled 
with lamentation and sorrow, and the prophecy of Jere- 



140 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



mias was fulfilled: ^^Kachel bewailing her children, and 
would not be comforted, because they were not." As a 
punishment for his cruelty, Herod died, some years after, 
amid the most horrid torments. 

4. Again the angel appeared to Joseph, and commanded 
him to return to Judea, because Herod was dead. Joseph 
rose, and, taking the child and Mary, returned, and dwelt 
in Nazareth. Thus it came to pass that Christ was called 
a Nazarene. 

Jesus, the Savior of the World, was saved by a miracle ; so was 
Moses, the Savior of the Israelites, saved by a miracle. 



10. — The Child Jesus in the Temple, [a. c. 12. 

1. In accordance with the custom of the Jews, Mary 
and Joseph went up eyery year to Jerusalem to celebrate 




the feast of the Pasch, At the age of twelve years, Jesus 



Questions to Chapter 9.— What did Herod order ? How was Jesus saved ? 
What was done to the children ? How did Herod die ? Where did Joseph dwell 
after his return from Egypt ? 



THE PREACHING OF JOHN^ THE BAPTIST. 141 

also went up to Jerusalem with His parents. When the 
celebration was over, Mary and Joseph, together with their 
friends, returned to their homes ; but Jesus remained in 
Jerusalem. 

2. Not finding the child in their own company, his 
parents thought he was with some of their friends, and 
so continued the journey. But, when at night they 
sought him, and could not find him, they were filled with 
much anxiety, and hastened back to Jerusalem. 

3. After a search of three days, they found him in the 
temple, in the midst of the doctors, listening to them, 
and asking them questions. All were astonished at his 
wisdom and his answers. 

His mother, approaching, asked him: ''Why he had 
acted thus towards them ? " In a kindly manner, he told 
them he was there engaged about his Father's business. 
In obedience to their wishes, he returned to Nazareth, 
and was subject to them. He also grew in age, and wis- 
dom, and grace before God and men. 



THE PUBLIC LIFE OF JESUS CHRIST. 
11. — The Preaching of John the Baptist. 

1. For thirty years Jesus lived in obscurity at Nazareth. 
When the time was come that He should begin His public 
life, He commanded John the Baptist to come forth from 
the desert, where, from his childhood, he had lived, and 
to preach to the people. John obeyed, and came into the 
country about the Jordan. 

2. Soon the fame of John's preaching was spread far 
and near, and great crowds from Jerusalem and Judea 
came to him by the banks of the Jordan. Here they saw 
a man of most austere manners, with a leathern girdle 
round his waist ; whose food was the wild locust, and 

Questions to Chapter 10.— What happened when Jesus was twelve years 
old ? Where was He found ? How did He act towards His parents ? 



142 



HISTOEY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



whose cry was : ^^ Do penance, for the kingdom of God is 
at hand. '' Many were baptized, confessing their sins. 

3. When John saw the Pharisees and Sadducees amongst 
the multitudes that came to hear him, he cried out to 




them : *^^ Do penance, and trust not to your descent from 
Abraham, for the ax is about to be laid to the root of the 
tree.^^ 

John the Baptist made a great impression on his 
hearers, and many thought he was the Messiah. But he 
said he was not ; on the contrary, he was but the voice of 
one crying in the wilderness. 



12. — Jesus is Baptized and Tempted. 

1. Jesus also came to John, at the Jordan, to be bap- 
tized. At first, John refused, saying he was not worthy 
to do so great an act. But when Christ bade him do it. 



Questions to Chapter 11. —How long did Jesus live at Nazareth? What 
is said of John the Baptist ? What was his cry? What did John say of himself? 



JESUS IS BAPTIZED AKD TEMPTED. 



143 



that thereby " they might fulfill all justice/' John yielded, 
and baptized Jesus. Immediately the heavens were opened, 
and the Holy Ghost descended in the form of a dove, and 
rested on Jesus, whilst a voice from heaven was heard, 
saying: ^^This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well 
pleased." 




2. After his baj)tism, Jesus was led by the Spirit into 
the desert, there to be tempted by the devil. After He 
had fasted forty days and forty nights, the devil came to 
Him, and strove to persuade Him, as a proof of His 
divinity, to turn the stones into bread ; but Jesus would 
not. 

3. Again the devil dared to tempt Him, by carrpng 
Him to Jerusalem, where he placed Him on the pinnacle 
of the temple, telling Him to cast Himself down : '^'^For 
if He were the Son of God, the angels would protect 
Him." But Jesus said : '' Tempt not the Lord thy God." 

4. A third time Satan came, and, carrying Jesus Christ 
up into a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms 
of the earth, promising to give them to Him, if He would 



144 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



fall down and adore him. But Jesus, with a holy anger, 
bade him ''Begone, for the Lord only should be adored." 
Then Satan left Him, and angels came and ministered 
to Him. 

In the deluge, water cleansed the world from its corruptions ; in 
baptism, water cleanses the soul from its sin. 



13.— Jesus the Lamb of God. 

1. Some time after His baptism, Jesus came into the 
country where John was baptizing. When John saw 
Him, pointing to Him, he exclaimed : " Behold the Lamb 
of God, who taketh away the sins of the world. This is 




He, of whom I haye already spoken, when I said, ' There 
is one who will come after me, who is preferred before 
me ; ' and He is the Son of God, for at His baptism I saw 
the Holy Ghost descend from heaven in the form of a 
doye, and rest upon Him." 

Questions to Chapter 12.— What happened at the baptism of Jesus ? What 
happened after Pis baptism ? Describe Christ's temptations. 



THE FIRST DISCIPLES OF JESUS CHRIST. 145 

3. Under the Jewish religion, every day there was offered on the 
altar of holocausts a lamb to the Lord ; under the New Law Jesus 
Christ is this Lamb of Sacrifice, that was once offered on Calvary, 
and is now daily offered in the Sacrifice of the Mass. 



14.— The First Disciples of Jesus Christ. 

1. On the following day, as Jesus was walking on the 
banks of the Jordan, two of the disciples of John the 
Baptist, named Andrew and John, saw Him. They 
remained with Jesus during the day. Toward the even- 
ing, Andrew brought. Simon, his brother, to Jesus. As 
soon as Jesus saw him. He said : " Thou art called 
Simon, son of Jona ; hereafter thou shalt be called 
Peter." 

2. The next day Jesus saw Philip, and said to him : 
''Follow me." When Philip had listened for a while, he 
hastened to seek his brother Nathaniel. Finding him 
under a fig-tree, he told him that at last the Messiah was 
come, and Jesus of Nazareth was the person. At first 
Nathaniel was inclined to be incredulous, owing to the 
prejudice that existed against the Nazarenes, but at last 
he yielded, and went with his brother. 

3. When Jesus saw him coming. He said: '^ Behold, an 
Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile." But Na- 
thaniel's astonishment knew no bounds when Jesus told 
him how Philip had found him under the fig-tree, and 
how He had known him long before. Filled with awe, 
Nathaniel bowed himself before Jesus, and acknowledged 
Him to be the Son of God. Nathaniel afterward became 
one of Christ's disciples, under the name of Bartholo- 
mew. 



Questions to Chapter 13. — Tell what John said when he saw Jesus the 
second time. What is said of the Lamb in the Old Law and what in the 
New? 

Questions to Chapter 14. — Who were the first disciples of Christ ? What 
did Christ say to Peter ? What is said of Philip and Nathaniel ? By what name 
is Nathaniel also known ? 



146 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT 



15. — The Marriage at Cana. 

1. Three days after Jesus had called Philip and Na- 
thaniel to follow Him^ a marriage feast was celebrated at 
Cana of Galilee. Jesus and Mary were there^ as also the 
newly-chosen disciples. During the feast the wine failed, 
when Mary, coming to Jesus, mentioned the fact to him. 
At first Jesus seemed inclined to do nothing to remove 




the embarrassment of the master of the house, but Mary, 
who knew the kindness of her son, came to the servants 
and bade them do whatever He told them. 

2. There stood six stone pitchers, each containing from 
two to three measures. Now Jesus came to the servants 
and told them to fill them Avitli water ; then to draw out 
and carry to the chief steward. When the steward had 
tasted the water made wine, he was much astonished, and, 
calling the bridegroom, chid him for having kept the best 
wine to the end of the feast. 



Christ's zeal for the sanctity of the temple. 147 

This was the first public miracle Jesus wrought, and 
those who saw it, not only were astonished, but believed 
Jesus was the Son of God. 

3. It was at this feast of Cana that Jesus sanctified marriage, 
and raised it to the dignity of a sacrament. And this change of 
water into wine was emblematic of that still greater change in the 
Sacrifice of the Mass, where wine is changed into the blood of Jesus 
Christ. 



THE FIRST YEAR OF CHRIST'S PUBLIC MINISTRY. 

16. — Christ's Zeal for the Sanctity of the [ad. si 

Temple. 

1. About this time^ Jesus went up to Jerusalem to cele- 
brate the feast of the Pasch. Entering the temple, He 



m 



found many who were there selling oxen, and sheep, and 
doves, while the money changers sat at their tables. 

Questions to Chapter 15.— Who were at the marriage feat^t ? What failed ? 
How was the wine supplied ? What was the first public miracle Jesus wrq^ght? 
When was marriage instituted ? 



148 HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 

Animated with a holy zeal, He made a whip of cords and 
drove out those who thus profaned the house of God. No 
one dared to resist Him, and soon the place was empty. 

2. The few who remained, asked by what authority he 
assumed to act as He had done. His only answer was : 
" Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." 
He meant His body, but the Jews thought He meant that 
grand and gorgeous temple, that had cost their forefathers 
forty-six years of labor, and an immense treasure of gold 
and silver. 

3. During the celebration of this Paschal feast, Jesus 
wrought a great many miracles in and near Jerusalem. 
Many, when they saw His works and heard His words, 
were led to believe in Him. 



17. — Nicodemus comes to see Jesus. 

1. Whilst Jesus was at Jerusalem, celebrating this feast 
of the Pasch, Nicodemus, a member of the great Jewish 
Council, came to Him in the night-time and said : ^^ Mas- 
ter, we know thou art a teacher from God, for no man 
can do what thou doest, if God were not with him." 

2. After they had talked together for a while, Nico- 
demus asked what he must do to be saved. Jesus an- 
swered : " He must be born again of water and the Holy 
Ghost." When Nicodemus heard this he was much 
puzzled to understand what he had heard, but Christ only 
repeated His words, and added: ^^That God had sent 
His only-begotten Son into the world, that the world 
might be saved through Him." 

3. It was at this interview tliat Christ taught the neces- 
sity of Baptism. The Catholic Church not only teaches 
this doctrine to-day, but insists that all her children shall 
be baptized. As the Israelites were saved from the 

Questions to Chapter 16. — How did Jesus purify the temple? What did 
Jesus sav to those who remained ? 



JESUS AT THE WELL OF JACOB. 



149 



slavery of Egyj^t, by passing through tlie Keel Sea, so are 
Christiaus freed from the slavery of sin by the waters of 
baptism. 



18.— Jesus at the Well of Jacob. 

1. When the feast of the Pasch was over, Jesus passed 
through Judea, baptizing as He went. On His way to 
Nazareth, He came to a city called Sichar, in the country 
of Samaria. Being weary. He sat down near a well which 
formerly Jacob had dug, and which was much visited by 
the people, because it was near the gate. His disciples, 
leaving Him, w^ent into the city to buy bread. 

2. While Jesus was sitting by the well, a woman came 
to draw wa- 
ter. Jesus 
asked her for 
a drink. Now 
the Jews so 
hated the 
Samaritans 
that they 
would have 
preferred to 
die rather 
than ask a 
favor from 
them. So, 
w hen the 

woman heard the request, she was very much astonished, 
and asked how it came that He, who was a Jew, asked her 
for a drink. 

3. Jesus said to her, if she knew who it was that asked 
her for a drink, may be she would ask Him for a drink. 




Questions to Chapter 17.— Who came to see Jesus ? What did Nicodemus 
say to Jesus ? What answer did Jesus give ? What did Christ teach at this 
interview ? 



150 HISTOEY OF THE NEW TESTAMEI^T. 

for He would give her living water. When she heard of 
living water, and how those who drank of it would not 
thirst again, she asked for it, that she might be saved the 
trouble of coming so often to draw water. Then Jesus 
revealed to her the secret sins of her life. Being struck 
at the Spirit of God, which she so clearly saw in Him, she 
said : " Sir, I see thou art a prophet." 

4. The Samaritans had built a temple on Garizim, a 
mountain near the city of Sichar, where they were accus- 
tomed to offer sacrifice, as the Jews did at Jerusalem. 
The woman asked: ^^Who was right, the Jew or the 
Samaritan?" But Jesus said: ''The time will come — 
nay, was come — when men would worship God neither on 
Mount Garizim, nor at Jerusalem." 

5. Jesus also said to her that He was the Messiah. 
When she heard this, she left her water-pot, and, hastening 
into the city, told the inhabitants all that had happened. 
The Samaritans came to Jesus, and asked Him to remain 
with them. He stayed two days, teaching and instructing 
them, many believing in Him. 

6. The water wliicli Jesus gives is interior light to guide the 
soul, and grace to overcome the passions. Those who will truly 
serve God, must offer Him not the appearances of piety, but humil- 
ity, faith, and charity. These are the fountains from which all true 
religion springs. 



19. — Jesus Preaches at Nazareth. 

1. After Jesus left Sichar, He returned to Nazareth, 
His native city. It was His custom to go frequently into 
the synagogue. One day, while many of the people were 
assembled, Jesus rose up to read. The book of Isaias was 
given Him, and, opening it. He read from the place where 
it is written : '^The Spirit of the Lord is upon me ; He 

Questions to Chapter 18. — Tell what happened at the weli of Jacob. 
What did Jesus ask for ? What astonished the woman ? What did Jesus reveal 
to her ? What did the woman tell the people of the city ? What did the Sama- 
ritans do ? How did Jesus act ? 



THE MIRACLE OF JESUS AT CAPHARNAUM. 151 

hath anointed me, and sent me to preach the Gospel to 
the poor, and to heal the contrite of heart." 

2. Having shut the book, He returned it to the doctors. 
All eyes were fixed upon Him, and wonder and doubt 
filled their minds when He began to show them what the 
prophets had said of the Messiah. But they were con- 
founded, when He referred these prophecies to Himself, 
and clearly proved He was the Messiah. 

3. ^^Is not this," said they, ^Hhe son of Joseph the 
carpenter ? " In answer, Jesus said, " Tt was not wonderful 
that He was not believed, for a prophet had no honor in 
his own country ; even," said he, " Elias was rejected by 
his own, and was forced to confer his favors upon the 
pagan widow of Serepta." 

4. When the people heard this, they were filled with 
rage, for they saw He referred to them. They finally for- 
bade Him to speak any more, and thrusting Him out, 
brought Him to the brow of the mountain on which the 
city was built, intending to cast Him down. But Jesus, 
when He saw Himself on the edge of the precipice, turned, 
and with a calm dignity, that utterly confounded and 
paralyzed His enemies, passed through their midst. 



20. — The Miracle of Jesus at Capharnaum. 

1. From Nazareth Jesus went to Capharnaum, where 
He taught on the Sabbath days. All were in admiration 
and astonishment at His doctrines, for He spoke as no 
man had ever spoken, and His words penetrated into the 
inmost recesses of their hearts. 

2. One day, while He was speaking, a man, who was 
possessed by a devil, cried out : " Let us alone, what have 
we to do with thee ? I know thou art the Holy One of 
God." But Jesus rebuked the devil, and drove him out 

Questions to Chapter 19. — What did Jesus do at Nazareth? What con- 
founded the people ? What question did they ask ? How were they answered ? 
What did they propose to do to Jesus ? How did He escape ? 



152 HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 

of the man. AVlien the people saw this, fear came upon 
them, and they knew not what to think. 

3. Going out of the synagogue, Jesus entered the house 
of Simon and Andrew, his brother. Simon's mother-in- 
law was very sick. Her friends asked Jesus to do some- 
thing for her. He approached the bed on which she lay, 
and, taking her by the hand, lifted her up. Immediately 
the fever left her, and, rising, she began to minister to 
Him and His disciples. 

4. During the evening of this same day, the inhabitants 
of the city came to Peter's house, carrying with them the 
sick and those that were possessed. Jesus went to the 
door and cured the sick and drove out the devils. On the 
next day He went into Galilee, where he also cured the 
sick and the infirm. 

5. Under the Jewish dispensation, the saints and the prophets 
also wrought miracles, but in the name of God, from whom they 
had their authority. Jesus, on the contrary, wrought His miracles in 
His own name, and by His own authority, thus distinguishing Him- 
self from those who went before Him, and from those who came 
after Him. 



21.— The Miraculous Draught of Fishes. 

1. Jesus passed oyer from Cajoharnaum to Lake Gen- 
esareth. Here the multitude pressed to see Him and to 
hear His words. By the shore were two vessels ; the 
nearest;, Peter's. Into this Jesus entered^ and requested 
Peter to push out a little from the land. Then He sat 
down and taught the multitude. 

2. When Jesus had finished speaking, He told Peter 
to launch out into the deep and to let down his net. 
Peter answered, that he and his partners had been fishing 
all the night, but had caught nothing ; yet, as He wished 
it, they would let down the net. Scarce had they done so 

Questions to Chapter 20. —What did Jesus do at Capharnaum? What 
miracles did He do ? What did the saints and prophets do ? 



THE MIRACULOUS DRAUGHT OF FISHES. 



153 



when the net was filled with such a quantity of fish, that 
it was nearly breaking. They made signs to their partners 
to come and help them, and both ships were filled, so that 
they were almost sinking. 

3. When Peter saw this, he fell at the feet of Jesus, 
and said : ''Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful 




man." But Jesus answered : ''Fear not, from henceforth 
thou shalt be taking men." Having brought the ships 
to the shore, Peter and his companions left all and fol- 
lowed Jesus. 

4. Jesus cliose Peter's ship from wliicli to teach. In the Roman 
Catholic Church, of which Peter's ship was a figure, Jesus Christ 
continues to teach through the Popes, who are the lawful successors 
of Peter. 

The miraculous draught of fishes was also symbolic. The sea is 
the world, the net the Church. The fishers are the bishops and 
priests ; the fish are the faithful who voluntarily enter the Church, 
that thereby they may be saved. 



Questions to Chapter 21.— What did Jesus do at Lake Genesareth ? 
miracle did He work ? What is said of Peter's ship ? 



What 



154 HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 

22.— The Paralytic. 

1. One day, while Jesus taught in a certain house of 
Capharnaum, surrounded by the Pharisees and doctors, 
who had come from Galilee and the surrounding towns to 
hear Him, a man, sick of the palsy, was brought to the 
door. When those who carried the sick man found, 
because of the multitude, they could not reach Jesus, 
they went up on the roof of the house — which, according 
to the custom of the East, was flat, and had an opening 
in it — and let the sick man down into the midst of the 
crowd. 

2. Jesus seeing their faith, said to the sick man : ^^Thy 
sins are forgiven." When the doctors and the Pharisees 
heard this, they said : " This man blasphemes. Who can 
forgive sins, but God alone ? '^ Jesus, who knew the 
thoughts of their hearts, asked them whether it was easier 
to forgive sins than to cure the man ? " But, that you 
may know," said He, '^that the Son of Man has power 
to forgive sins, I say to this sick man : Arise, take up thy 
bed and go into thy house." And the sick man rose, 
and took up his bed, and returned to his house, praising 
God. 

3. All those who saw this palpable miracle, were con- 
founded and astonished. They had heard Jesus say : 
'^Thy sins are forgiven," and, in proof of His power to 
forgive sins, they had seen Him cure the man. Hence, it 
was not astonishing, that being unable to explain the 
mystery, they simply cried out : ^^ We have seen wonderful 
things to-day." 

23. — The Sermon on the Mountain. 

1. Jesus, seeing a great multitude come to Him, went 
up into a mountain and sat down. His disciples came to 

Questions to Chapter 22. — What did Jesus say to the man sick of the 
palsy ? What did the doctors say ? What did Jesus do 'i What effect had this 
miracle on the multitude ? 



THE SERMOI^ OK THE MOUNTAIN^. 



155 



Him, and the multitude stood round about, on the sides 
of the mountain, listening in silence. Jesus thus began : 




The Eight Beatitudes, 

2. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the king- 
dom of heaven. 

Blessed are the meek, for they shall possess the land. 

Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be com- 
forted. 

Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice, 
for they shall be filled. 

3. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. 
Blessed are the clean of heart, for they shall see God. 
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called 

the children of God. 

Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake, 
for theirs is the kingdom of God. 

The Dignity and Duties of the Apostles. 

4. After Jesus had spoken thus to the people, He turned 
to His Apostles, and told them they were the salt of the 



156 HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 

earth and tlie light of the world ; and that if the one lost 
its sayor^ or the other was put under a bushel^ each was 
equally worthless. 

The Duties of Cliristians. 

5. Again turning to the people, Jesus said to them, that 
their ^^ justice should be more than that of the Scribes and 
Pharisees ; neither should they kill, nor call another fool ; 
nor should they offer a gift to God, whilst they were in 
anger with their brother." Besides these grand maxims 
of justice, Hs taught them to love their enemies, to do 
good to those that hated them, and to pray for those that 
persecuted and calumniated them. 

Tlie Sanctity of Marriage. 

6. Haying thus spoken of the general duties of Chris- 
tians one to another, Jesus gaye the following yery clear 
and decided command concerning the nature and sanctity 
of marriage, to-wit, " Let no man put away his wife ; for 
what God has joined together, let no man put asunder." 
Then He added that, in all their actions, they should liaye 
purity of intention, nor do any thing for the applause of 
men. 

The Works of a Christian. 

7. After this, Jesus spoke to the multitude of the yani- 
ties of life and the folly of laying up treasures on earth. 
He bade them rather lay up treasures in heaven, where 
neither the moth nor the rust could consume nor the 
thief steal. He also told them not to be anxious for the 
things of life, how they should be clothed, or what they 
should eat, for the birds neither sowed, nor did they 
gather into barns, and yet God fed them. 

8. ^^ Consider," said He, "the lilies of the field: they 
labor not, neither do they spin, and yet Solomon, in all 
his glory, was not arrayed as one of them." He added : 
^'No man can serve two masters: you can not serve God 
and Mammon." 



THE LEPER — THE CENTURIOIST'S SERVANT. 



157 



The End of the Sermon. 

9. Besides these and many other exhortations, Jesus 
said : " Swear not : let your words be yea, yea ; no, no : 
do unto others as you wish them to do unto you : judge 
not, that you be not judged." 

10. Then Jesus concluded with that beautiful similitude 
that has been 
so often quo- 
ted; that those 
who did as He 
had command- 
ed ^^ would be 
like a house 
built on a 
rock: the 
winds blew, 
and the floods 
came, but the 
house fell not ; 
but those who 

kept not His words would be like a house built on the 
sands : when the winds blew, and the floods came, it fell.'' 

11. When the people heard all these words, they were 
in admiration, not only at the doctrines they heard, but 
also with Jesus Himself, for He spoke to them not as the 
Scribes and Pharisees, but as one haying authority. 




24. — The Leper— The Centurion's Servant. 

1. When Jesus came down from the mountain, a leper 
came to Him and, adoring, asked to be cleansed. Jesus 
stretched forth his hand and touched him, and imme- 
diately he was cleansed. Then he commanded the leper 
to go to the priest and offer the gift prescribed by Moses. 



Questions to Chapter 23.— What was the first part of the sermon od the 
moiintam ? Repeat the eight beatitudes. What did Jesus say of the Apostles ? 
What was said to Christians in general? What was said of marriage? What 
other lessons did Jesus give ? What effect had Christ's words on the multitude ? 



158 



HISTORY OF THE I^EW TESTAMENT. 



2. Among the Jews, when a leper was cured, he was required to 
show himself to the priest, who, having examined him, declared 
him cleansed, and removed from him the restrictions imposed by the 
law of Moses. This declaration of the Jewish priest was a figure 
of the sacramental absolution of the Christian priest, who, absolving 
sinners, may be justly said to cleanse them from a spiritual leprosy. 

3. Jesus came again into Capharnaiim, where a Eoman 

centurion ap- 
proached Him^ 
and told Him 
that his servant 
lay dangerously 
ill. Jesus of- 
fered to go and 
cure him ; but 
the centurion 
said : '' Lord^ I 
am not worthy 
that Thou 
should st enter 
under my roof ; 
say only the 

word, and my seryant shall be healed." 

4. When Jesus heard this, He declared He had not 
found such faith in Israel ; nay, that many would come 
from the east and the west, and sit down with Abraham, 
and Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, but the 
Jews themselves would be cast forth, because they would 
not believe. 

5. Then He turned to the centurion and said : ^^ As you 
have believed, so be it done ; '' and immediately the ser- 
yant was cured. 

The Jews did not receive Christianity as willingly as the Gentiles : 
in like manner, Joseph's brethren despised him, whilst the Egyptians 
admired him. 




Questions to Chapter 24. —What is said of the leper? What was a 
custom among the Jews ? What was it a figure of ? What happened at 
Capharnaum ? 



THE widow's son OF IsTAIM. 



159 



25.— The Widow's Son of Nairn. 

1. Once when Jesus was entering the city of Nairn, 
accompanied by His disciples and a great multitude, he 
met a funeral procession in which a widow's son was car- 
ried out to be buried. Jesus, seeing the great sorrow of 
the mother, and the many friends that were with her, 
came and said : " Weep not." 

2. . Then He approached the bier on which the dead man 
lay, and, touching the body, said, " Arise ; " and the young 




man rose up and began to speak. Jesus presented the 
son to the mother. When those who were present saw 
what was done, great fear came upon them, and they 
began to glorify God, because " ^ great prophet had arisen 
amongst them." 

3. This miracle is symbolic of the future resurrection, when God 
will raise up all men from the grave. Even now it has its fulfill- 
ment in the Sacrament of Penance, where Jesus Christ, through His 
priests, raises up the sinner from the spiritual death of sin. 



Questions to Chapter 25.— Tell how Jesus raised the widow's son. 



160 



HISTOKY OF THE KEW TESTAMENT. 



26.— Mary Magdalene. 

1. A certain Pharisee, named Simon, invited Jesus to 
come and eat with him. Jesus went, and, while He was 
at table, Mary Magdalene came and brought with her an 
alabaster box filled with precious perfume. Entering the 
house, she cast herself on her knees, and began to wash 
the feet of Jesus with her tears, and to wipe them with 
the hair of her head ; then, kissing them, she anointed 
them with the precious perfume she had brought. 




3. When the Pharisee saw this, he began to doubt in 
Jesus, saying to himself : '^^ Were this man a prophet, He 
would surely know this woman is a sinner." 

Jesus, knowing his thoughts, spoke to him as follows : 
" K certain man had two debtors : one owed him fiye 
hundred pence ; the other, fifty. As neither could pay 
him, he forgave them both. Which, do you think, loved 
him most ?" The Pharisee said : "1 suppose, he to whom 
he forgave most." 

3. ^^You see this woman," said Jesus. ^^I entered 
your house, and you gave me no water for my feet ; yet 



THE MESSENGER OF JOHN THE BAPTIST. 161 

she has washed them with her tears, and wiped them with 
her hair. You did not anoint my head, but she has 
anointed my feet. I say to you, many sins are forgiven 
her, because she has loved much." 



27.— The Messengers of John the Baptist. 

1. Owing to the poverty and obscurity of His hfe, many 
thought Jesus was not the Son of God, and could not be 
the Messiah. John the Baptist, not that he doubted, but 
that he might afford Jesus an opportunity of publicly 
proclaiming His divinity, sent two of his disciples to ask 
Him if He were the Messiah or not. 




2. Jesus, without saying yes or no, simply referred to 
the miracles He had wrought and the evils He had cured, 
and told the messengers to say to John : " The blind see, 
the deaf hear, the dead rise, and the poor have the Gospel 
preached to them." These things had been long before 
prophesied of the Messiah by Isaias. 

Questions to Chapter 26.— Give the history of Mary Magdalene and the 
anointing of Jesus. 

Questions to Chapter 27.— For what did John sencl messengers ? What 
answer did Jesus give John's messengers ? 



162 



HISTOKY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



THE SECOND YEAR OF CHRISPS PUBLIC MINISTRY. 

28. — Jesus Cures a Man who had been Sick 
Thirty-eight Years. 

1. In the second year of His public preaching, Jesus 
went up to Jerusalem to assist at the Paschal solemnities. 
There was at Jerusalem a pond, called Bethsaida, having 
around it five porches. In these porches lay many sick, 
such as the blind, the lame, and the paralytic. 

2. At certain times an angel came down into the pond 
and moved the waters, and he who first entered after the 
waters had been disturbed, was cured of whatever disease 
he might have. 

3. Now there lay in one of the porches a man, who had 

been sick for 
thirty-eight 
years. Jesus 
came to him and 
asked him if he 
would like to be 
cured. The 
poor man an- 
swered he had 
little chance, for 
he had no one to 
put him in after 
the angel had 
troubled the 
waters. Jesus 

said to him: '^ Arise; take up thy bed and walk." The 
man rose, and, taking up his bed, walked. 

4. The Jews seeing what Christ had done, began to 
murmur, because He had cured the sick man on the 
Sabbath. When Jesus met their objections by telling 
them that not only His Father worked, but that He also 
worked, they became exceedingly angry, for they saw by 
this He made Himself equal to God. 




THE SEVEK PARABLES OF THE KIKGDOM OF GOD. 1G3 

5. They then strove to kill Him, but He all the more 
declared Himself the Son of God, and that in Him, and 
through Him, were men to be saved. Then He appealed 
to the works He did, as the best testimony that His Father 
had sent Him. 



29. —The Seven Parables of the Kingdom of God. 

II. Jesus came again to Lake Genesareth, and, entering 
a ship, taught the multitude that stood on the shore. 




2. The Par able of the Soiver, — A man Avent out to sow 
seed. Some fell by the wayside, and the birds picked it 
up ; some fell on stony ground, and, springing up, soon 
withered away, because it had no root ; some fell among 
thorns, and was soon choked ; but others fell upon good 
ground, and brought forth — some a hundred, some sixty, 
some thirty-fold. 

Questions to Chapter 28.— Tell the history of the man who had been sick 
for thirty-eight years. How was he cured? What did the Jews complain of? 
What did they strive to do ? What did Christ declare ? 



164 



HISTORY OF THE I^EW TESTAMENT. 



3. Jesus afterwards gave this explanation of the parable 
to His disciples : The seed is the word of God : that by 




the wayside are those who hear ; but the devil comes and 
takes the word out of their hearts, lest, believing, they 
should be saved. The seed that fell upon the rock are 
those who, at first, joyfully receive the word, and for a 
while believe, but, having no roots, in time of temptation 
easily fall away. 

4. That which fell among thorns are those who hear, 
but, going away, are choked with the cares and pleasures 
of life, and yield no fruit. But the seed that fell on good 
ground are those who, hearing the word with, a good heart, 
keep it, and bring forth fruit in patience. 

5. The Parable of the Cockle. — Jesus spoke another 
parable : A man sowed good seed in his field, and when 
he slept his enemy came and sowed cockle. When the 
blades sprang up the cockle appeared ; but the master 
bade the servants let both grow until the harvest, when 
he would tell the reapers to gather the cockle into 



THE SEVEi^ PARABLES OF THE KIISTGDOM OF GOD. 165 




bundles and burn it, but to gather the wheat into his 
barn. 

6. The following is the interpretation of this parable : 
The Sower is the 

Son of God ; the 
field is the world; 
the seed is the 
good ; the cockle 
is the bad; the 
enemy that 
sowed the cockle 
is the devil ; the 
harvest is the 
end of the world; 
and the reapers 
are the angels. 
As the cockle 
was gathered 
and burned, so shall the Avicked be in the day of judg- 
ment. 

7. The Parable of tJie Mustard-seed, — Jesus spoke 
another parable : The kingdom of heaven is like to a 
grain of mustard-seed : it is the least of all seeds ; but, 
when it grows up and becomes a tree, the birds can rest 
in its branches. 

8. Tlie Parable vf the Leaven, — A woman took leaven 
and hid it in three measures of meal, until the whole was 
leavened : so is the kingdom of God. 

9. The Parable of the Treasure. — The kingdom of 
heaven is like to a treasure hidden in a field : when a 
man finds it, he goes and sells all he has and buys that 
field. 

10. The Parable of the Pearl— The kingdom of heaven 
is again like to a merchant seeking pearls : he finds one 
of great price ; then he goes and sells all he has and 
buys it. 

11. TJie Parable of the Good and Bad Fishes, — Again 
the kingdom of heaven is like a net cast into the sea : it 



166 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



gathers all kinds of fishes ; but when it is drawn ont^ men 
select the good^ and cast away the bad : so shall it be at 
the end of the world — the angels shall separate the just 
from the unjust. 

30. — The Tempest Calmed. 

1. After Jesus had finished speaking to the people, He 
said to His Apostles : '^ Let us pass oyer to the other side." 
Before they started, a Scribe came to Him and proposed 
to follow Him ; but Jesus, knowing how selfish his heart 




was, simply answered : ^^The foxes have holes, and the 
birds have nests, but I have not whereon to lay my head." 
When the Scribe heard this, he went away. 

2. Shortly after the ship left the land, a violent storm 
arose. The waves covered the ship, but Jesus slept. The 
storm increasing, the disciples came to Jesus and told 



Questions to Chapter 29— WTiat is the parable of the sower? Tell the 
parable of the cockle. What is its interpretation ? What are the other 
parables ? 



THE DAUGHTER OF JAIRUS. 



167 



Him they feared all would be lost. Then Jesus rose and, 
chiding them for their want of faith, calmed the winds 
and the sea. When the disciples saw this, a great fear 
came upon them. 

3. The stormy sea is the world ; the ship is the Church, which 
rides safely amid the tempest, for Christ is with her. 



31. — The Daughter of Jairus. 

1. When the ship landed, a multitude of people came 
and, with great joy, welcomed Jesus. Among those who 
met him was a man named Jairus, a ruler of the syna- 




gogue, who begged Him to come and heal his daughter, 
Avho lay dangerously ill. Jesus went with him. 

2. As Jesus was passing through the crowd, a woman 
who had been sick for twelve years, and had in vain 

Questions to Chapter 30.— What is said of the Scribe? Tell the story of 
the tempest. 



168 HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMEIN^T. 

sought relief from many physicians^ came behind Him 
and touched His garment. She was immediately cured. 

3. Whilst they were on the way, a servant came to 
Jairus and told him, his daughter was dead, and it was 
useless to trouble himself any further. But Jesus said to 
him: ^^ Fear not; only believe." 

4. When they came to the house where the young- 
woman was, they found a great crowd weeping and 
lamenting. But Jesus, approaching, said : " Weep not ; 
she is not dead." They laughed at Him, for they all knew 
too well she was dead. 

5. Then Jesus took with Him Peter, and James, and 
John, and the parents of the girl, and went into the room 
where she lay. Taking her by the hand. He said : " Arise ; " 
and immediately she rose and began to walk through the 
house. 



32. — Jesus chooses His Apostles. 

1. Every day, crowds of people came from far and 
near, to hear Jesus. He was moved with great compas- 
sion for them. Seeing them wandering about like sheep 
without a shepherd, He said to His disciples : " The 
harvest is great, but the laborers are few." 

2. The following night was spent in prayer. In the 
morning, Jesus called His disciples, and from amongst 
them chose twelve, whom He called Apostles — that is, 
sent. Their names were Peter and Andrew, James and 
John, Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew, 
James, the less, and Thaddeus, Simon Zelotes and Judas 
Iscariot. 

3. When Jesus had chosen them, He gave them power 
to heal the sick, to raise the dead, and to drive out devils. 
Then He sent them forth to preach, but forbade them to 
take any thing with them but their staff. They were thus 

Questions to Chapter 31.— What did Jesus do to the daughter of Jainis? 
What happened to the woman in the crowd ? 



joh:n^ the baptist beheaded. 169 

taught to put their trust in God, and not to hope for suc- 
cess through human means. 

4. He moreoYcr told them they must suffer for His 
sakC;, nay, that they would be scourged and put to death. 
*^But/' said He, *'the disciple is not above the Master; 
and if they do these things to me, how much more to 
you?" 

5. But He consoled them by the promise that He would 
be with them, and speak through them ; and, that those 
who heard them, heard Him ; and that those who despised 
them, despised Him. 

6. The Apostles went forth two by two, preaching, and 
driving out devils, and healing the sick. Some time after 
this, Jesus added seventy disciples, whose duties were to 
help the xlpostles, and go before Christ as the Apostles 
had done. 

7. The blessing wliicli our Lord gave by His doctrines, was 
spread through His Apostles, as the blessing given to Abraham 
long before descended to the sons of Jacob. As Gideon with his 
little band vanquished his enemies, so did the Apostles with their 
staff, change the face of society and subdue the world to the yoke 
of Christ. 



33.— John the Baptist Beheaded. 

1. Herod, Tetrarch of Galilee, had married Herodias, 
his brother's wife. John the Baptist came to him, and 
told him it was not lawful for him to have his brother's 
wife. When Herod heard this, he became exceedingly 
angry, and cast John into prison, hoping thus to silence 
him. 

2. Xow it happened that Herod, on his birthday, gave 
a gTand feast to the princes of Galilee. During the feast, 
the daughter of Herodias danced for Herod and his court. 
The king was much pleased, and promised to give the 

Questions to Chapter 32.— Who were the Apostles ? What powers did He 
give them ? Where did He send them ? How did He console them ? What did 
the Apostles do ? Whom did Jesus add to the Apostles ? 



170 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



young woman whatever she would ask^ even to the half 
of his kingdom. He confirmed this promise with an 
oath. 

3. The damsel hastened to her mother, who advised 

her to ask for 



the head of 
John the Bap- 
tist, that thus 
they miglit 
be revenged on 
him for what 
he had said. 
The daughter 
returned and 
asked for the 
head of John. 
4. When He- 
rod heard this, 
he was very sad, 
but because of his oath, he sent and had John beheaded. 
The head was placed upon a dish and brought to the 
young woman, who carried it to her mother. 

5. Like John the Baptist, the saintly and fearless prophet, Elias, 
had presented himself, on a similar occasion, before king Achab. 
Like Herod, Acliab also hated the truth, and strove to put the man 
of God to death, but failed. 




34. — The Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes. 

1. About the time of the Pasch, the Apostles returned 
from their first mission. Coming to Jesus, they told Him 
what- they had done and what they had taught. Jesus 
then took them with Him, and they crossed the sea of 
Galilee, and went into the desert. A great multitude 
followed them. When Jesus saw how many had come, 
He began to teach them and to heal their sick. 



Questions to Chapter 33.— For what was John the Baptist cast into prison ? 
How did he die ? 



THE MIKACLE OF THE LOAVES AKD FISHES. 



171 



2. About the evening, the Apostles proposed to send 
the multitude home, as thej^ had nothing to giye them to 
eat. Jesus asked what they had. The Apostles answered : 
^^Five loaves and two fishes." 

3. Then Jesus commanded the people to sit down on 
the grass, and having taken the loaves and the two fishes, 
blessed them and gave them to His Apostles, who dis- 




tributed them amongst the people. There were about 
five thousand men, besides the women and children, and 
yet there was enough for all. When they were done, 
twelve baskets of fragments were gathered up. 

4. When the people saw this stupendous miracle, they 
were filled with admiration, and wished to make Jesus 
their king. But He, knowing their design, hid Himself, 
and during the night passed with his disciples over to 
Capharnaum. 



Questions to Chapter 34. — What is said of the return of the Apostles? 
Tell the history of the loaves and fishes. What effect had this miracle on the 
people ? 



173 HISTOEY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



S5.— The Promise of the Blessed Sacrament. 

1. The day after the miracle of the loaves and fishes, 
the people came to Jesiis in the synagogue of Caphar- 
naum. When He saw how they came to Him, because 
they had eaten of the miraculous bread, He told them not 
to labor for perishable bread, but for that bread which 
never perished, and which He could give. 

2. Then He told them that He was the living bread, 
and that this bread was His flesh. When the Jews heard 
this, they were scandalized, and asked : ^^PIow could He 
give them His flesh to eat." But Jesus only repeated His 
former assertion, in a stronger and more emphatic manner, 
and concluded with these clear and decided words : " Un- 
less you eat the flesh of the Son of Man, and drink His 
blood, you shall not have life in you. For my flesh is 
meat indeed, and my Hood is drinh indeed,'^'' 

3. Many of the disciples, when they heard these words, 
were very much troubled, and because they could not 
understand liow Christ could give them His body to eat, 
and His blood to drink, went away, and walked no more 
with Him. 

4. But Jesus continued to affirm this incomprehensible 
mystery all the more, and at last turned to Peter, and 
asked him if he would also go away. But Peter, who 
could understand the doctrine no better than the others, 
declared he would not, but would believe it ; not that he 
understood it, but because Jesus Christ had said it, and 
" He had the words of eternal life." 

5. As the manna fell from heaven, to support the Israelites in the 
desert, so is the Blessed Sacrament daily present upon our altars, to 
feed and nourish the soul in the battle of life. 

Questions to Chapter 35. — What happened on the day after the miracle of 
the loaves and fishes ? How did the Jews receive the words of Jesus ? How did 
Jesus meet their objection ? What did many do ? How did Peter act ? What is 
said of the manna and the Blessed Sacrament ? 



THE PRIMACY CONFERRED OK PETER. 173 



36. — The Woman of Chanaan. 

1. Jesus went into the country of Tyre and Sidon, and 
a pagan woman of Chanaan came to Him, asking Him to 
cure her daughter, who was jDossessed by a devil. But 
Jesus made her no answer. The woman continued to 
urge her request, until the disciples thought of putting 
her away, but Jesus forbade them. 

2. The woman coming near, adored Jesus, when He said 
to her, ^^ It is not good to give the bread of the children 
to the dogs." But she answered : '' The whelps some- 
times eat the crumbs that fall from the tables of their 
masters." When Jesus heard this. He was much struck 
with her faith, and cured her daughter. 

Jesus found faith among the pagans of Sidon, as, on a 
former occasion, Jonas had found it among the pagans of 
Kinive. 



37. — The Primacy conferred on Peter, [a. d. 32. 

1. Jesus came to the city of Cesarea Philippi, and that 
He might try His Apostles, asked what the people gen- 
erally thought of Him. The Apostles answered, there 
was great difference of oi^inion ; some taking Him for 
Elias, some for Moses, and some thought He was a 
prophet. Then Jesus asked them what was their own 
opinion on the matter. Peter answered in the name of 
all : " Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God." 

2. When Jesus heard this unqualified acknowledgment 
of his divinity. He said to Peter : " Blessed art thou, 
Simon Bar-Jona. Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I 
will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not 
prevail against her. I will give to thee the keys of the 
kingdom of heaven, and whatsoever thou shalt bind on 

Question to Chapter 36.— What is said of the woman of Chanaan. 



174 



HISTORY OF THE KEW TESTAMENT. 



earth, shall be bound also in heaven ; and whatsoever 
thou shalt loose upon earth, shall be loosed also in 
heaven/^ 




3. Peter was thus the first of the Apostles who made a 
public profession of the divinity of Jesus Christ, and, for 
his faith, Jesus made him the chief among the Apostles, 
and the future visible head of the Church. For eighteen 
hundred years, the Popes, who are the legitimate succes- 
sors of St. Peter, have been placed at the head of the 
Christian world. 

38. — The Transfiguration. 

1. After six days, Jesus took Peter, and James, and 
John with Him up into a mountain. There He was 
transfigured before them. His face shone as the sun, and 
His garments became white as snow. Moses and Elias 
also appeared, and began to talk with Him. 



Questions to Chapter 37.— What did Jesus do at Cesarea Philippi ? What 
was the opmion of the people about Him ? What did Peter say ? What power 
did Christ confer on Peter? What is said of the Popes ? 



THE TRAKSFIGURATIOK. 



175 



2. When the Apostles saw the ravishing beauty of 
Christ's person, they proposed, in their joy, to build 
three tabernacles ; one for Him, one for Moses, and one 
for Elias. Whilst they were speaking, a voice from 
heaven cried out: ''This is my beloved Son, hear ye 
Him." 

3. At these words, the Apostles fell flat on the ground, 
nor did they look up until Jesus came and bade them rise. 




When they lifted up their eyes thej saw no one but Jesus, 
who commanded them to tell the vision to no one till 
after He had risen from the dead. 

4. Jesus, transfigured, appeared between tlie two greatest men of 
the Old Law — Moses, the law-giver, and Elias, the miracle-worker. 
In His glory, He infinitely surpassed both the one and the other, 
proving clearly that He was the center of majesty as well as the 
origin of power, both in the Jewish and Christian dispensation. 



Question to Chapter 38.— Tell the history of the transfiguration. 



176 HISTOKY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 

39. — Jesus the Friend of Children — Scandal. 

1. One day^ after teaching, Jesus sat down to rest, when 
the women brought their children to Him, that He might 
bless them. The Apostles, anxious to spare Him, strove 
to keep back the crowd ; but Jesus said to them : " Suffer 
little children to come to me, for in their innocence they 
are like the angels in heaven." Then Jesus laid His 
hands upon the heads of the children, and blessed them. 




2. On another occasion the Apostles asked Jesus who 
was the greatest in heaven. He called a little child, and, 
placing it in their midst, said, " That to become great in 
heaven, we must, on earth, become innocent and humble 
as children. '^ 

3. It was on this occasion Christ pronounced a woe 
upon those who scandalized the young, or led them into 
sin ; and the reason He gave was, " their angels were ever 
before the face of God." 

As Tobias was protected by an angel, so have we angels to guard 
us, though with the eyes of the body we can not see them. 

Question to Cuapter 89— What is said of little children ? 



POWER OF THE KEYS GIVEN TO THE APOSTLES. 177 

40.— The Pardon of Injuries — The Unforgiving 

Servant. 

1. One day, Peter asked our Savior how often he should 
forgive his brother. Jesus said: ''Till seventy times 
seven ; " by which is meant an indefinite number. 

2. To confirm His words to Peter, Jesus related the 
following parable : A king wished to take an account of 
his affairs ; so he called his servants. One came who 
owed ten thousand talents, and, being unable to pay, the 
master ordered him, and his wife, and his children, to be 
sold. The poor man, when he saw the misfortune that 
was come upon him, fell upon his knees and begged for 
time, promising to pay all. The master, taking pity on 
him, forgave the debt. 

3. When this servant left the master, he met a fellow- 
servant who owed him a hundred pence. Seizing him by 
the throat, he demanded immediate payment. The ser- 
vant begged for a little time. He would not give it, but 
cast him into prison. 

4. When the other servants saw what was done, they 
told the master, who, calUng the unforginng servant to 
him, chid him for his harshness, and then cast him into 
prison until his own debt should be paid. Christ con- 
cluded with these memorable words : ''So also shall my 
heavenly Father do unto you, if you forgive not every one 
his brother from vour hearts." 



41. — The Power of the Keys given to the Apostles. 

1. At the time St. Peter made his glorious profession 
of faith in the divinity of Christ, he received, besides the 
primacy in the Church, a special power of binding and 

Questions to Chapter 40.— What is the lesson on forgiving injuries ? What 
is said of the two servants ? How did the master act ? W^hat conclusion did 
Christ draw ? 



178 



HISTORY OF THE KEW TESTAMENT. 



loosing on earth. About the period we are writing, Jesus 
extended this same power to the other Apostles. 

2. The words in which tliis power was conferred, were 
as follows: ^^Anien, I say to you, whatsoever you shall 
bind upon earth, shall be bound also in heaven ; and, 
whatsoever you shall loose on earth, shall be loosed also 
in heaven.'^ And in order that there might be no doubt 
as to the authority of the Apostles when they went forth 
to preach, Clirist added : " He that hears you, hears me ; 
and he that despises you, despises me." 



42. — The Parable of the Good Samaritan. 



1. Once, while Jesus was teaching, a lawyer came to 
Him, and asked what he must do to be saved. Jesus 
answered : " Love God with your whole heart, and love 
your neighbor as yourself." When the lawyer heard of 
his neighbor, he thought he would entrap our Savior, and 
asked : ^MYho is my neighbor ?" 

1% Jesus narrated 
t h e following 
parable : A man 
went down from 
Jerusalem to 
Jericho. On the 
way, he fell 
among robbers, 
who stripped 
him, and wound- 
ing him, left 
him half dead. 
Shortly after- 
wards, a priest came by the same w^ay, and, though he 




Questions to Chapter 41.— What power was granted the Apostles? What 
are the words in which Chrit^t conferred this power ? 



MAKY AND MAKTHA. 



179 



saw the helpless condition of the wounded man^ passed 
on. In like manner, a Levite also passed. 

3. But a Samaritan, passing, saw the wounded man, 
and coming, bound up his wounds, and placing him on his 
own ass, took him to the inn. The next day, he took two 
pence and gave to the host, bidding him take care of the 
wounded man, and joromising to pay, on his return, what- 
ever additional expense would be incurred. 

4. When our Savior had finished, He asked the lawyer : 
" Who was neighbor to the man who fell among robbers ? " 
The Doctor answered : ^^He that showed mercy." Then 
Jesus said : " Go and do in like manner." 



43.— Mary and Martha. 

1. After this, Jesus ca^me to a town called Bithania. 
Here a woman, named Martha, received Him into her 
house. Martha 
gave herself much 
trouble, arranging 
and fixing the 
house, that she 
might show her re- 
spect for her guest ; 
but her sister, Mary, 
went and sat down 
at the feet of Jesus, 
and listened to His 
words. 

2. When Martha 
saw that Mary left 
all the care of the ""^^ 
house to her, she came to Jesus and requested Him to 
speak to her sister, that she might help her. But Jesus 




Questions to Chapter 42.— What did the lawyer ask? What answer did 
he get ? Relate the parable of the good Samaritan. What conclusion is drawn 
from the parable ? 



180 HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 

told Martha not to trouble herself about many things, one j 
thing tuas Jiecessary ; and, as Mary had chosen the better 
part, He would not disturb her. 



44.— The Lord's Prayer. 

1. One day, after Jesus had been praying in a retired 
spot, one of His disciples came to Him, and asked Him 
to teach them to pray, as John had taught his disciples. 
Jesus said: ''When you pray, say: Our Father, Who art 
in heaven ; hallowed be Thy name ; Thy kingdom come ; 
Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us 
this day our daily bread ; and, forgive us our trespasses, 
as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us 
not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.^^ 

2. Jesus said besides : " Come to me, all you that labor, 
and are heavy ladened, and I will refresh yon. My yoke 
is sweet, and my burden is light. Learn of me, because 
I am meek and humble of heart." 



45. — The Lost Sheep and the Good Shepherd. 

1. At the feast of Tabernacles, Jesus went up to Jeru- 
salem, where He taught. Many of those who came to 
hear Him were publicans and sinners. When the Scribes 
and Pharisees saw this, they began to murmur. That He 
might the better illustrate His own character, and at the 
same time teach them a lesson, Jesus gave the following 
parable : 

2. What man having a hundred sheep, and losing one, 
does not leave the ninety-niTie and seek for that which 
was lost, until he find it ? When he has found it, does he 

Questions to Chapter 43.— What is said of Martha ? What is said of Mary ? 
Whose conduct was preferred ? 

Questions to Chapter 44.— Tell the history of the Lord's prayer. What 
Other maxims did Jesus give ? 



THE PRODIGAL CHILD. 



181 



not call together his friends and neighbors, and say to 
them, rejoice with me, because I have found my sheep 
that was lost ? As a man does with his lost sheep, so 
does God with the sinner that repents. 




3. ^^ I am the good shepherd,'' said Christ. " The good 
shepherd gives his life for his flock, but the hireling, 
when he sees the wolf, flies. I lay down my life for my 
sheep. I have other sheep that are not yet of this fold, 
them also T must bring. There shall be but one fold and 
one shepherd." 



46.— The Prodigal Child. 

1. After Jesus had given the above parable, that so 
beautifully explains what a good shepherd should be, He 
spoke another, to illustrate the forgiving character of His 
Father toward a repenting sinner. 



Questions to Chapter 45. — What gave occasion for the parable of the good 
shepherd ? Relate it. What does Christ say of Himself? 



182 



HISTORY OF THE KEW TESTAMENT. 



2. ''A certain man/' said He, ''had two sons. The 
younger asked his father for his portion, and, haying 
received his share, went into a far country. He was not 
long there, till he spent what his father had given him, 
and the companions of his folly abandoning him when 
they found he had no more to spend, he was reduced to 
extreme want. 

3. ''Seeing nothing but starvation staring him in the 
^^^^^_^^ face, he went 

IC "^ ~"^^^^^^^^^&^^B and hired him- 
self to a farmer, 
who sent him 
to feed swine. 
When the 
young man saw 
the condition 
to which he 
was reduced, 
entering into 
himself, he 
rose up and 
returned to his 
father. 

4. " The kind-hearted father was watching, and when 
he saw his poor prodigal son returning to him, hastened 
out to meet him, and, falling on his neck, kissed him, 
and welcomed him back to the home of his childhood. 
The son said : ' Father, I have sinned against heaven, 
and before thee. I am not worthy to be called thy son.^ 

5. " But the father ordered the servants to bring forth 
the best robe in the house, and put it on him, and to put 
a ring on his finger, and shoes on his feet. Then he com- 
manded them to hasten and bring the fatted calf, that 
they might kill it and make merry. 

6. "The eldest son was in the fields, and when he 
returned, and heard music and dancing, and learned the 
cause, he was very angry. Calling his father, he com- 
plained that he had made so much of his disobedient ^n^ 




THE KICH MAiq- AND LAZARUS. 



183 



dissipated brother^ whilst he had never received any thing, 
not even a kid, with which to make merry with his friends. 
But his father said, it was but right to rejoice, for his 
brother, that was dead, had come to life, and he who had 
been lost was found." 

7. In this parable, Jesus Christ taught the doctrine of penance. 
First, the prodigal child recognizes his sins, repents, and returns to 
his father. Secondly, he confesses, and is ready to make satisfac- 
tion for what he has done. In the same manner the sinner recognizes 
his sins, repents, and confesses them ; then willingly accepts the 
penance imposed on him. And, lastly, the absolution of the priest 
reconciles him to God. 



47. — The Rich Man and Lazarus. 

1. Jesus, continuing to preach, spoke as follows : There 
was a certain rich man, who was clothed in purple and 




fine linen, and feasted sumptuously eyery day. There was 



Qttbsttons to Chapter 46.— Relate the parable of the prodigal child. What 
does the parable of the prodigal child teach ? How ? 



184 HISTOBY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 

also a certain beggar, named Lazarus, who lay at the rich 
man's gate, begging for the crumbs that fell from his 
table : moreover, the dogs licked his sores. 

3. In due time the beggar died, and was carried to 
Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died, but was 
buried in heU. Here, lifting up his eyes, he saw Lazarus, 
and begged Abraham to send him to him, that he might 
dip his finger in water and cool his tongue. But Abraham 
reminded the rich man how it had been with him and 
Lazarus in life, and how just it was that he, who had 
feasted on good things, should now suffer, whilst he who 
had suffered should be rewarded. 

3. "Besides," said Abraham, "there is between us a 
great lake, so that no one can pass from us to you, nor 
from you to us." 

As a last appeal, the rich man begged Abraham to 
send Lazarus to his five brothers, that they might be kept 
out of hell ; but Abraham refused, saying : " They have 
Moses and the prophets ; let them hear them." 



48.— The Cure of the Man Born Blind. 

1. Whilst Jesus was celebrating the feast of Tabernacles 
He went out from the temple on the Sabbath-dav. He 
met a man who had been blind from his birth. The dis- 
ciples asked : "If it was because of any fault in the blind 
man himself, or in his parents, that he had been born 
blind." Jesus answered : " That the blindness was neither 
because of any fault in the man, nor in his parents, but 
simply to manifest the works of God." 

2. Jesus spat on the ground and made clay, and spread 
the clay on the eyes of the blind man. Then He bade him 
go and wash in the pool of Siloe. The blind man went, 
washed, and returned, seeing. 

Questions to Chaptbb 47.-What is said of the rich man ? What is «aid of 
How was he answered ? ^ao^i: i 



THE CURE OF THE MAX BORK BLIND. 



185 




3. AYhen those who had formerly known him saw him, 
they were eon- 
founded, and 
took him to the 
Pharisees. 
They asked him 
how he had been 
cured. He told 
them. When 
they heard how 
Jesus had cured 
him on the Sab- 
bath, some said, 
He was God, 
and some said, 
He was a sin- 
ner, whilst others said, ^^ A sinner can not do such mira- 
cles ; " and there was a division. 

4. There were some also who would not believe the man 
had been blind ; so they sent for his parents, tv^ho testified 
that he had been born blind, and that it was their son. 
When the blind man began to reason, and to show that 
none but God could restore sight to the blind, the Phari- 
sees became very angry, and cast him out. 

5. Some time after this, Jesus met him, and asked him 
if he believed in the Son of God. When, to his question, 
Jesus told him He was the Son of God, the man who had 
been blind fell on his knees and adored Jesus, saying : 
^^Lord, I believe." 

6. In this miracle we have a remarkable fulfillment of the words 
of the prophet Isaias concerning Christ, that in His time ''the eyes 
of the blind should be opened." Sucli a miracle could only be done 
by God ; hence, the anger and rage of unbelieving Pharisees when 
they could neither disprove nor gainsay the cure of the man who 
had been born blind. 



Questions to Chaptek 48. — What is said of the blind man? How was he 
cured ? How did the Pharisees act? Who were called ? What was done to the 
blind man ? Why ? What happened to him afterwards ? 



186 



HISTOET OF THE NEW TESTAMEOT. 



4^'— The Ten Lepers. 

1. After the feast of Tabernacles, Jesus passed throud, 
Samana and Galilee. On the way, He met ten lepeS 
By the law of Moses, lepers were forbidden to live in the 

requued to live in the country, apart by themselves 
When Jesus saw the ten lepers, He commanded tTem to 
go and show themselves to the priest. Whilst they were 
going, they were cleansed. ^ ^ 

2. One of them, M^hen he saw what had happened, 

returned^ and 
cast himself at 
the feet of Je- 
sus ; and this 
man was a Sa- 
maritan. Jesus 
asked if the 
other nine had 
not also been 
cleansed;, and 
how came it that 
only the stranger 
returned to give 
thanks. Then 
XT, i P 1 1 Jesus, to console 

whofe '* ' "^'''' "'^ ^^^*^ ^^*^' "^^"^^ *^^^ 




50.— The Publican and the Pharisee. 

1. When Jesus saw how some trusted in their own 
works and despised others. He spoke the following para- 
ble : Two men went up to the temple to pray; one was 
a Pharisee, the other a Publican. The Pharisee, standing, 

Question to Chapter 49.-TeU the history of the ten lepers. 



THE RICH YOUNG MA2^. 



187 



prayed thus : ' God, I thank Thee that I am not like 
the rest of men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers ; nor am 
I like this Pub- 
lican. I fast 
twice a week, 
and I give tithes- 
of all I possess.' 
2. ^^But the 
Publican, stand- 
ing afar off, 
would not so 
much as lift up 



his 



eyes, 



but 




struck his breast, 
saying : ' God, 
be merciful to 
me, a sinner.' 

'' I say to you, the Publican was justified, but the 
Pharisee was not ; because he that exalteth himself 
shall be humbled, and he that humbleth himself shall 
be exalted." 



51.— The Rich Young Man. 

1. A rich young man came to Jesus and asked what he 
must do to be saved. Jesus bade him keep the com- 
mandments. But the young man, hesitating, asked : 
" What commandments ? " Jesus said : " Kill not, steal 
not, neither shalt thou bear false witness. Honor thy 
father and thy mother." The young man, hearing this, 
answered he had kept all these from his youth. 

2. Jesus then turned to him and said : " If you will 
be perfect, sell all you have and give it to the poor, 
and come and follow me," But the young man went 

Questions to Chapter 50. — Relate the parable of the Pharisee and the 
Publican. What did the Pharisee do ? What did the Publican do ? Which 
was justified ? 



188 



HISTOKY OF THE i^EW TESTAMENT. 



away sorrowful. When he had gone, Jesus turned to 
His disciples and remarked, how diflBcult it was for a 




rich man to part with his wealth, and yery few of them 
would enter heaven. 



52. — The Laborers in the Vineyard. 

1. After Jesus had spoken to his disciples of the rewards 
that awaited the faithful servant, He gave the following 
parable : The kingdom of heaven is like to the master of 
a vineyard. In the morning he went out to hire laborers ; 
and, having agreed to give them each a penny a day, sent 
them into his vineyard. 

2. He went out at the third, and the sixth, and the 
ninth hours, and seeing men standing idle, sent them 
into his vineyard, telling them he would give them 
what was right. He did the same at the eleventh 
hour. 

3. In the evening, the master called the laborers, and 



Questions to Chapter 51.— What is said of the rich young man ? Describe 
his interview with Jesus. What is said of the rich ? 



THE EESURRECTION OF LAZARUS. 



189 



paid them each a penny. But, when those who had 
labored from 
the morning 
came, and re- 
ceived only a 
penny, they be- 
gan to complain, 
because the 
others, who had 
not labored as 
much as they, 
had been made 
equal to them. 

4. The master 
answered, they 
had agreed for a 
penny ; he had paid them, and he did not see why they 
should complain because he was generous. 

Then Jesus said : ^^So shall it be in heaven : the last 
shall be first, and the first last, for many are called, but 
few are chosen.'' 

5. Two tliousand years before the coining of Jesus Christ, the 
Jews were called to be the chosen 'people of God. Tliev despised this 
caU, and so comparatively but few of them have been cliosen to have 
a part in the kingdom of Jesus Christ. When the Jews denied and 
rejected Jesus Christ, He turned to the Gentiles, who, in immense 
numbers, enrolled themselves under His banner, and thus they who 
were last have become first, and the Jews, who were first, have 
become last. 




53. — The Resurrection of Lazarus. 

1. Whilst Jesus was assisting at the feast of the dedica- 
tion of the. temple, He openly taught that He and the 
Father were one. When the Jews heard this, and saw 
that He thus made Himself equal to God, they became 



Questions to Chapter 52.— Tell the parable of the laborers in the vineyard. 
. What is said of the Jews and Gentiles ? 



190 



HISTORY OE THE KEW TESTAMENT. 



very angry, and determined to stone Him. But, hearing 
of their intentions, Jesns qnietly left Jerusalem and went 
into the country about the Jordan. There He received 
a message from the two sisters, Mary and Martha, of 
Bithania, telling Him their brother Lazarus was very 
sick. 

2. But He remained two days longer, remarking to His 
disciples that Lazarus was dead. When He came to 




Bithania, Martha met Him, and complained that He had 
been so slow. But Jesus bade her have courage, for her 
brother w^ould again come to life. 

3. Martha called Mary, who was at home weeping. She 
rose and hastened to meet Jesus, who was yet outside the 
town, and, casting herself at His feet, said : ^^Lord, if you 
had been here, my brother had not died.^' 

4. When Jesus saw her weeping, and saw the other 
Jews who accompanied her also weeping, He asked where 
they had laid Lazarus. They brought Him to the sepul- 
cher. He commanded them to take away the stone that 
lay over the door ; then He lifted up His eyes to heaven, 



THE JEWS SEEK TO KILL JESUS. 191 

and, prajdng, cried out : " Lazarus, come forth." Imme- 
diately Lazarus rose and came forth from the grave, bound 
in the napkins and gi-ave-clothes in which he had been 
buried. Many of the Jews beheved in Jesus, but others 
went and told the chief priests and Pharisees what had 
happened. 



54. — The Jews Seek to Kill Jesus. 

1. When the Pharisees and Scribes heard of the resur- 
rection of Lazarus, and how the people were following 
Jesus, they said : ^^If we let Him alone, every body will 
believe in Him." They asked Caiphas, who was high- 
priest that year, what he thought of the matter. But he 
answered: ^^It is expedient that one man die for the 
people, that the whole nation perish not." This he said 
by inspiration. 

2. From that day they sought to put Jesus to death. 
For this reason, He walked no more openly among the 
Jews, but, going away, dwelt in the city of Ephrem. 
The Jews hated Jesus because His works proved His 
divinity ; and Cain killed his brother beca'use God loved 
Abel. 

3. Six days after the resurrection of Lazarus, Jesus 
said to His Apostles : " We are about to go up to Jeru- 
salem, and I shall be betrayed and condemned to death ; 
then I shall be scourged, and at last crucified ; but I shall 
rise again, on the third day." This remarkable prophecy 
was fulfilled to the letter in the passion and death of 
Christ. 



Questions to Chapter 53.— What did Jesus teach concerainj? Himself and 
the Father? Where did He go ? What message did He receive ? What happened 
when Jesus came to Bithania ? 

Questions to Chapter 54. — When the Pharisees heard of the resurrection of 
Lazarus, how did they act ? What did the high-priest say ? WTiat did the Jews 
try to do ? What prophecy did Jesus give ? 



193 



HISTORY OP THE KEW TESTAMENT. 



55.— Zacheus, the Chief of the Publicans. 

1. There lived in Jericho a man named Zacheus, the 
chief of the Publicans. He strove to see Jesus when He 
passed through the city, but, being a man of small stature, 
he could not, on account of the crowd. He then ran on 
and climbed up a sycamore-tree. When Jesus came to the 
tree. He lifted up His eyes and said to Zacheus : " Make 




haste and come down, for to-day I must abide in your 
house." Zacheus hastened, and with great joy, received 
Him into his house. 

2. When the others saw this, they began to murmur, 
because Jesus had gone into the house of a publican, who, 
from his profession, was considered a sinner. Jesus said 
to Zacheus : ^^This day salvation is come into this house, 
for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that 
which was lost.'' 



Question to Chapter 55 —What is said of Zacheus ? 



CHRIST'S TRIUMPHAL ENTRY INTO JERUSALEM. 



193 



56.— Mary Magdalene Anoints Jesus. 

1 From Jericho, Jesus went to Bithania, where Simon 

i the leper made a supper for Him. Lazarus was one of the 
guests, and Martha, his sister, helped to wait upon them. 
Now, while they were all sitting at supper, Mary Magda- 
lene 'took a box of precious ointment, and, coming into 
the house, knelt down and anointed the feet of Jesus, and 
wiped them with the hair of her head. The house was 
filled with the sweet odor of the ointment. 

2 When Judas Iscariot saw this, he began to complain 
and to murmur at the waste. He asked v^rhy they had 
not sold the ointment and given the price to the poor ; 
not that he cared for the poor, but because he carried the 
purse, and was a thief. 

3. Jesus bade them let the woman alone, for she had 
done a good work in embalming His body for the tomb. 
He said also, that wheresoeyer His Gospel would be 
preached, the piety of Mary Magdalene would be pro- 
claimed. 

4 Like Judas, many nowadays cry "Prodigality" if they are 
asked to contribute for the beauty of the Church or the splendor 
of divine worship; they also say : '^Let it be given to the poor." 
But Jesus says : *' Do both : ornament the Church, and help the 
poor." 

57._Christ*s Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. 

1. On the following day, Jesus came to Jerusalem, but, 
before entering, stopped at Mount Olivet, just outside 
the walls of the city. From there He sent His disciples 
to Bethpage, a little town close by, and bade them bring 
the ass which they would find tied by the way. 

2. The disciples did as He commanded, and, bringing 

Questions to Chapter 56.-From Jericho where did Jesus go ? What hap- 
pened? What did Mavy Magdalene do ? What did Judas say ? What did Jesus 
•say? What do many nowadays say ? 



194 



HISTOET OP THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



\ 



the ass, put their garments on it ; then they placed Jesus 
thereon, and led Him into Jerusalem. On the way great 
multitudes of the people met Him. Some spread their 
garments on the ground, some cut down branches from 
the palm-trees, and strewed them before Him, whilst all 
cried : "Hosanna to- the Son of Dayid ! blessed is He that 
Cometh in the name of the Lord ! " 



^ii^^^lll - '■ —/'^^' 



iil''Mnisini«9 '«■»', iiiir. 




3. Many of the Pharisees were also in the crowd. When 
they heard the people shouting, and saw the honors that 
were paid to Jesus, they asked Him to rebuke His dis- 
ciples, and to tell the people to hold their peace ; but He 
would not. 

4. As Jesus drew near the city, looking upon it He 
wept ; then He cried out : " Jerusalem ! if you had 
known the things that are for your peace ; but now they 
are hidden from your eyes. The days shall come when 
your enemies shall compass you about, and shall beat you 
flat to the ground, and there shall not remain of you a, 
stone upon a stone." 



THE PARABLE OF THE MARRIAGE FEAST. 195 

5. When Jesiis entered Jerusalem, He went directly to 
the temple, where, from every direction, the sick, the 
blind, and the paralytic were brought to Him, and He 
cured them all. At last the people became very much 
excited, and even the children caught up the general 
enthusiasm, and cried out : " Hosanna to the Son of 
David ! '' 

6. When the Pharisees heard this, they became more 
and more enraged, and, coming to Him, asked if He 
heard what was said. Jesus answered : " Yes ; but," said 
He, ''have you never read what was written by the 
prophet : Out of the mouths of infants and sucklings thou 
hast perfected praise ? " 

7. Long before had Zacharias the prophet foretold the 
entrance of Christ into Jerusalem, when he said: ''Re- 
joice, daughters of Sion, and shout, daughters of Jerusa- 
lem ; behold, thy King will come to thee : He is poor, 
and riding upon an ass." 

8. Jesus Christ entered Jerusalem on the very day the 
Jews were required by the law of Moses to procure the 
Paschal lamb. How significant His every act ! The 
Paschal lamb was offered for the Jewish people; but 
Jesus, who is the true Paschal Lamb, was offered, not for 
a people^ but for a tuorld. 



58.— The Parable of the Marriage Feast. 

1. On the next day, while Jesus was teaching in the 
temple, He said: "The kingdom of heaven is like to a 
king who made a marriage feast for his son. He sent 
his servants to call those who had been invited, but 
they would not come. He sent a second time, but they 

Questions to Chapter 57.— What is said of Christ's entry into Jerusalem ? 

What did the multitude do ? How did the Pharisees act ? What did Jesus say 

of Jerusalem? What was done in the temple? How did Jesus answer the 

Pharisees? What did Zacharias prophesy? On what day did Jesus enter 

. Jerusalem ? 



196 HISTOKT OF THE I^EW TESTAMENT. 

not only refused, but, seizing his servants, put them to 
death. 

2. " When the king heard this, he became very angry, 
and, sending his armies, destroyed the murderers, and 
burnt their city. 

" That his marriage feast might not be without guests, 
the king sent his servants into the highways and invited 
all — the good as Avell as the bad — to come. 

3. " The king, going into the banqueting hall, found a 
guest who had not on a wedding-garment. When asked 
why he had neglected to put on a wedding-garment, he 
was silent. Then the king ordered him to be bound hand 
and foot, and to be cast into exterior darkness." 

4. In the East it was customary for kings to supply their guests 
with wedding-garments ; hence, the crime of the unfortunate man, 
who, through carelessness, had neglected to put on the proper gar- 
ment, even though provided for him. 



59. — The Tribute to Caesar. 

1. When the Scribes and Pharisees heard the parable 
of the marriage feast, they knew Jesus meant them by 
the guests who had refused to come. In consequence, 
they were very angry, and began to plot how they might 
entrap Him in ,His words, that thereby they might have 
a pretext to condemn Him. 

2. For this purpose they sent some of their own dis- 
ciples, together with some of the friends of Herod, to 
Him. They began by flattering Him, and praising Him 
for His bold and fearless declaration of His opinions. 
When they thought they had deceived Him as to their 
intentions, they, with deep cunning, asked Him "whether 
it was lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not." 

3. Jesus knew very well what their motives were, and 
the treacherous plot by which they hoped to entrap Him ; 

Questions to Chapter 58 —Tell the parable of the marriage feast. What 
was done to the dumb guest ? What was a custom in the East ? 



THE DESTRUCTI0:N^ of JERUSALEM, ETC., FORETOLD. 197 

for if He said ^^ Yes/' the Jews would hate Him as being 

an enemy to 

their country ; 

and if He said 

^^No/' Herod 

would seize 

upon Him for 

resisting the 

government. 

4. Jesus 
asked for a 
penny. When 
it was present- 
ed to Him, He 
asked " whose 
image was on 
it." They said, ^^ Caesar's." Then said Jesus: ^'Eender 
to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the 
things that are God's." 

"When they heard this, their malice was forced to yield 
in admiration to His wisdom. Going away, they dared 
ask Him no more questions. 




60.— Christ Foretells the Destruction of Jerusa- 
lem and the End of the World. 

1. After Jesus had finished speaking. He rose to leave 
the temple. As He was passing out, His disciples began to 
admire its magnificence and solidity; but Jesus told them 
not to trust too much to appearances ; that that temple 
which they now so much admired, and of which the Jews 
were so proud, would, ere long, be destroyed ; nor would 
there remain of it so much as a stone upon a stone. 

2. When He came to Mount Olivet, that stands but a 
short distance from the city, He sat down and began to 



Questions to Chapter 59.— How did the Scribes try to entrap Jesus ? 
did He answer them ? What did they do ? 



How 



198 HISTOEY OF THE NEW TESTAME:N"T. 

speak to His disciples of the destruction of Jerusalem and 
the end of the world. They asked Him when these things 
would take place. 

3. In answer to the first question, He said: ''When 
you shall see an army encompass Jerusalem about, know 
that her destruction is at hand. Then let those that are 
in Judea flee to the mountains, and those that are in 
Jerusalem hasten to depart, for the days of vengeance and 
tribulation are come : many shall fall by the sword, many 
shall be led away captives among the nations of the earth, 
and Jerusalem shall be destroyed.'^ 

4. To the second question. He said : " Be not deceived; 
My Gospel shall be preached in the whole world, and then 
shall the end come. There shall be tribulations such as 
have not been ; false Christs shall arise, and false prophets 
shall come, doing wonders and showing signs, so as almost 
to deceive the elect. But the end is not yet.'' 

5. Other signs shall appear: ^^The sun shall be dark- 
ened, the moon shall not give her light, the stars shall fall 
from heaven, the earth shall be moved, the sea shall roar, 
and men shall wither away for fear of the things that are 
to come. Then shall the sign of the Son of Man appear, 
and He Himself shall come in His majesty ; the angels 
shall gather together the elect from the four winds. But 
no one knows either the day or the hour, but the Father 
alone." 

6. Thirty-seven years after this remarkable prophecy 
concerning the destruction of Jerusalem, Titus, a Eoman 
general, came with an army and laid siege to Jerusalem. 
The prophecy was fulfilled to the letter : the walls were 
beaten down, the city was taken, the temple burned, and 
the Jews were carried into captivity, never to return. 

In its own time will the prophecy concerning the end 
of the world be also fulfilled. 



Questions to Chapter 60.— What did Jesus say concerning the temple ? Of 
what did Jesus speak when He came to Mount Olivet ? When was Jerusalem to 
be destroyed ? What did Jesus say about the end of the world ? Who destroyed 
Jerusalem ? When ? 



THE FIVE WISE AKD THE FIVE FOOLISH VIRGIKS. 199 

61. — The Parable of the Five Wise and the 
Five Foolish Virgins. 

1. Jesus continued to speak to His disciples, saying : 
'' The kiugdom of heaven is like to ten virgins who took 
their lamps and went forth to meet the bridegroom. Five 
were wase, and five were foolish. The foolish took no oil 
with them, but the wise took oil in vessels, together with 
their lamps. 




2. " Whilst the bridegroom tarried, they all slept. During 
the night, the bridegroom came, and they rose and went 
forth to meet him. But soon the foolish virgins found 
their lamps had gone out, and, while they went to buy 
oil, the bridegroom entered, and the doors were shut. 

3. ^^ At length the foolish virgins came, but could not 
enter. When they cried out to open for them, the bride- 
groom answered : ' I know you not : watch, for you know 
not when the Son of Man shall come.' " 



Question to Chapter 61.— Tell the parable of the virgins. 



200 HISTORY OF THE I^EW TESTAMENT. 



62. — The Parable of the Talents. 

1. Again Jesus gave another parable : ^^The end of tl;e 
world is like to a man who went into a far country. He 
called together his seryants^ and delivered to them his 
goods. To one he gave five talents ; to another^ two ; 
and to another, one. Then he started on his journey. 

2. ^^Now, he that had received the five talents went 
and traded with them till he gained other five talents. 
In like manner, he that had received the two gained other 
two ; but he that had received the one talent went away 
and buried his lord^s money. 

3. ^^ After a long time the lord returned ; and he that 
had received the five talents came and brought with him 
the other five. When the lord saw this, he said : ' Well 
done, thou good and faithful servant ; because thou hast 
been faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many 
things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord.' In like 
manner the lord spoke to him that had gained the two 
talents. 

4. " But he that had received the one talent came and 
said : ' Lord, I knew thou wert a hard man, and, being 
afraid, I hid thy talent in the ground. Here is what is 
thine.' The lord reproached him for his sloth, and, 
taking the talent from him, gave it to him who had the 
ten talents. Then he commanded the unprofitable ser- 
vant to be bound hand and foot and cast into exterior 
darkness." 

63. — The Last Judgment. 

1. Among the last of the public instructions Christ 
gave the people, was a discourse on the last judgment, 
and an exhortation to His disciples to prepare for it. 
The negligence of men, and the little influence that the 
mere love for God has to change the mind, rendered it 

Question to Chapter 62.— Tell the parable of the talents. 



THE PASCHAL LAMB. 201 

necessary to add fear to the other motives for serving 
God. 

2. Jesus began by a description of the commotions that 
would beforehand take place in the heavens and on the 
earth ; telling how the sun, and the moon, and the stars 
would change, and the earth tremble ; and how, after 
this, an angel would sound the last trumpet and call the 
dead to judgment. Then Avould come the Son of Man, 
surrounded by His angels, and seated on a cloud, while 
all the nations of the earth would be gathered before 
Him. . 

3. When all mankind shall have been thus gathered 
before Him, Jesus Christ shall send out tlis angels to 
separate the good from the bad, placing the former on 
His right hand, and the latter on His left. Then shall 
Christ turn to the good, and say to them : " Come, ye 
blessed of My Father, possess the kingdom prepared for 
you from the foundation of the world." 

4. But He shall turn to the wicked and, with an angry 
countenance, say: ^^ Depart from me, ye accursed, into 
everlasting fire, which was prepared for the devil and his 
angels." And these shall go into everlasting punishment, 
but the just into life everlasting. 

5. At His first coming, Jesus appeared in poverty and weakness, 
but, at His second, He shall appear as a judge, surrounded by His 
majesty, and backed by His power. Tlie cross, now so much 
despised, will then be the sign of His glory. 



THE PASSION AND DEATH OF JESUS CHRIST. 

64. — The Paschal Lamb. 

1. On the first day of the Azymes, the Jews were com- 
manded by the law of Moses to sacrifice the Paschal lamb. 

Questions to Chapter 63. —Besides love, what else is needed to serve God ? 
Describe the last judgment. What shall be done to the good ? What to the bad ? 
What is the difference between the first and the last coming of Jesus Christ? 



202 



HISTOKY OF THE i^EW TESTAMENT. 



and for eight days to eat unleavened bread. On that day^ 
Jesus told Peter and John to go and prepare the Pasch 
for Him and His disciples. 

2. They went into the city and, as Jesus had bidden 
them, prepared the Pasch. When the evening was come, 
Jesus sat down to table with His twelve Apostles, declar- 
ing how much and how long he had desired to eat that 
supper with them. 

3. The Jewish Paschal lamb was a figure of Jesus Christ, the 
true Paschal Lamb: for this reason Christ was, by His own will, 
put to death on the cross, on the same day, and at the very hour, 
that, year by year, the Jewish Paschal lamb was offered in the 
temple. • 



65.— The Washing of Feet. 

1. When they had all eaten, Jesus rose from the table 
and girded Himself with a towel. Then, pouring water 




into a basin, He began to wash the feet of His disciples, 
and to wipe them with the towel. 



Question to Chapter 64.— What was done on the first day of the Azymes ? 



CHRIST INSTITUTES THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. 203 

2. When He came to Peter, the brave Apostle declared, 
never should his Lord wash his feet ; but when Jesus told 
him it was necessary, if he would have share with Him, 
Peter yielded. 

3. After Jesus had washed the feet of the Apostles, 
He again sat down and began to discourse to them on 
what He had done. ^^The servant,'^ said He, ''is not 
greater than the master ; and if I, who am Master, have 
washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's 
feet.'' 

4. When Jesus said the washing of feet was necessary, He wished 
to show how necessary baptism and penance were. By these, sins 
are washed away through the merits of Christ ; so was the washing 
of feet at the last supper a symbol of these sacraments. 



66.— Christ Institutes the Blessed Sacrament. 

1. After the washing of the Apostles' feet, came that 
sacred and solemn moment Christ had so long desired. 
He was about to enter on His passion, and must fulfill 
that promise He had before made, that ^^He would give 
His body to eat, and His blood to drink." 

2. Therefore, while they were all sitting at the table, 
Jesus took of the bread that was before Him, and, holding 
it in His sacred hands, lifted up His eyes to heaven ; then 
He gave thanks, and, blessing the bread, gave it to His 
disciples, saying : ^^Take ye and eat ; this is My body, 
which is given for you." By these words Jesus changed 
the bread into His adorable body. 

3. Then He took the chalice, in which was a part of the 
wine that had been used at the supper, and, giving thanks, 
blessed it, and gave it also to His disciples, sajdng: "Drink 
ye all of this, for this is My blood of the new testa- 
menty. which shall be shed for many for the remission of 
sins. Do this for a commemoration of Me." 

Questions to Chaptek 65. — Describe the washing of feet by Jesus. What 
did Peter do and say ? Of what was the washing of feet a symbol ? 



204 



HISTOEY OP THE ISTEW TESTAMEi^T. 



4. By these words Jesus changed the wine into His 
blood ; and, by the words, ''Do this for a commemoration 




of Me/' He ordained the Apostles priests, and instituted 
for all time the august Sacrament of the altar. 

Jesus is the Melchisedec of tlie New Law, who, as King and Priest, 
offered Himself under the appearances of bread and wine. 



67. — Jesus Foretells the Treason of Judas and 
the Denial of Peter. 

1. After the institution of the Blessed Sacrament, Jesus 
became depressed and very much troubled. He knew that 
Judas Iscariot was about to betray Him for the paltry 
sum of thirty pieces of silver. 



Questions to Chapter 66.— Describe the institution of the Blessed Sacra- 
ment ? What did Christ do ? What did He say ? What is Jesus in the New 
Law? 



cheist's last discourse to his apostles. 205 

2. That the traitor might have no excuse, Jesus pub- 
licly declared ^^one of them was about to betray Him." 
Instantly there Avas a commotion among the Apostles, and 
each began to ask : '' Is it I ? " 

3. John, whom Jesus loved most tenderly, was sitting 
by His side. Peter made a sign to him to ask Jesus of 
whom He spoke. John, leaning on the bosom of Jesus, 
did so. Jesus answered : " It is he to whom I shall reach 
bread dipped ; " and, immediately dipping the bread. He 
handed it to Judas. As soon as Judas had eaten the 
morsel, Satan entered into him, and, going out, he con- 
summated his treason. 

4. When Judas was gone, Jesus said, in a very solemn 
manner : ^^Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is 
glorified in Him ; I will be with you only a little while." 
Peter, hearing this, asked ^^ where He would go." Jesus 
answered: ^' Where I go, thou canst not follow now." 
Peter became very much excUed, and, with great vehe- 
mence, asked ^"^why he could not follow now, as he was 
ready to lay down his life for Him." 

5. But Jesus, turning to him, said : ^^Amen, amen; I 
say to thee, this night, before the cock crow twice, thou 
shalt deny Me thrice." 

Joseph was sold by his brothers, that he might save them in the 
time of famine ; Jesus was sold by Judas, that He might redeem 
and save mankind. 



68.— Christ's Last Discourse to His Apostles. 

1. After Judas left the supper-room, Jesus, turning to 
the other Apostles, said : ^^ I am about to leave you, but, 
before I go, I give you a new commandment : Love one 
cmother. Be not troubled ; I will not entirely leave you ; 
at present I go to prepare a place for you in My Father's 
house ; I will come again and take you with Me. 
» ■ — ^ — 

Questions to Chapter 67.— After the institution of the Blessed Sacrament, 
what happened to Jesus ? How did Jesus act toward Judas Iscariot ? What did 
Judas do ? What did Jesus say to Peter ? 



206 HISTOEY OF THE ]S^EW TESTAMENT. 

2. ^^I will also ask My Father to give you another 
Paraclete, who will teach you all things, and abide Avith 
you foTever. I am the way, and the truth, and the life ; 
no one can come to the Father but through Me. I am 
the vine ; My Father is the husbandman : he that abideth 
in Me, and I in him, shall bear much fruit. My peace I 
leave you ; My peace I give you.'^ 

3. When Jesus had finished with these grave and affec- 
tionate words, He lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said : 
'^ Father, the hour is come ; glorify Thy Son. I pray for 
Mine ; sanctify them. I pray not for Mine only, but for 
those also who, through their word, shall believe in Me, 
that they may be one with Me, as You, Father, are in Me, 
and I in Thee." 



69. — Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemani. 

1. When Jesus had finished His praj^er. He went with 
His disciples, to the garden of Gethsemani, near Mount 
Olivet. Having entered. He bade His disciples sit down 
and rest, while He went to pray. Taking with Him 
Peter, and James, and John, He went away a little dis- 
tance. Oppressed with grief. He said: '^My soul is 
sorrowful even unto death : stay here and watch. '^ 

2. Leaving the three Apostles, He went forward a little 
distance, and, falling flat on the ground, prayed thus : " 
My Father ! if it is possible, let this chalice pass from Me: 
nevertheless, not as I will, but as Thou wilt." Then, 
rising, He came to the Apostles ; but they were asleep. 
Jesus left them, and went again and prayed as He had 
done before. For the third time He prayed in the same 
manner, sajdng the same words. 

3. When Jesus had finished His prayer, and for the 
third time had submitted Himself to the will of His 
Father, He began His agony. Oppressed with the load of 
sin that was placed upon Him, and overwhelmed with 

Question to Chapter 68.— What was Christ' s last discourse to His Apostles? 



JESUS li^ THE GARDElSr OF GETHSEMAKI. 



207 



grief, His sweat became as drops of blood trickling on 
the ground. His Father sent an angel to comfort Him. 




When His agony was over, Jesus rose, and coming to His 
disciples, said: ^^ Arise; let us go; he that shall betray 
Me is at hand." 



70.— Jesus Delivered up to His Enemies. 

1. Whilst Jesus was still speaking to His Apostles, a 
great multitude of the priests and people came into the 
garden. Some carried swords in their hands ; others car- 
ried clubs and torches. Judas Iscariot walked at their 
head. When Judas came to Jesus, he said : " Hail, Rabbi," 
and kissed Him. 

2. Jesus advanced towards the multitude and asked 
them whom they sought. They said : ^^ Jesus of Xaza- 
reth." He simply answered: ''I am He;" when the 
multitude, overcome with fear, went back and fell to the 



Questions to Chapter 69.— What happened in the garden of Gethsemani ? 
What was Christ's prayer? What is said of His agony ? 



208 HISTOEY OE THE NEW TESTAMEIiq^T. 

ground. Then Jesus said : " You have come to seize Me 
as if I were a thief : whilst I was daily in the temple^ you 
did not touch Me." 

3, As soon as Jesus had said this^ the soldiers advanced 
and seized Him. Peter, seeing what was done to his 
Master, drew his sword and cut ofl the ear of Malchus, 
the servant of the high-priest ; but Jesus bade him put 
back his sword into the scabbard, saying that, if He 
needed help, His Father would send Him more than 
twelve legions of angels. 

4. Jesus touched the ear of Malchus and healed it ; 
then He delivered Himself into the hands of the soldiers, 
who bound Him. The disciples, seeing this, fled ; Peter 
and John alone following at a distance. 



71. — Jesus before the High-priest. 

1. The multitude led Jesus to the house of Annas, one 
of the priests. There He was asked concerning His doc- 
trines and disciples. Jesus simply answered. He had 
taught openly ; His words and actions were well known. 
For this, one of the servants struck Him, asking how He 
dared to answer thus. 

2. After much abuse, Annas sent Jesus to Caiphas the 
high-priest. Here were assembled the priests, and the 
Scribes, and a great multitude of the people. Christ was 
led into their midst ; false witnesses were brought in, and 
all manner of accusations were made against Him ; they 
were determined to put Him to death. 

3. When the witnesses had been examined, Caiphas rose 
and asked Jesus if He had any thing to say ; but Jesus 
held His peace. 

Again Caiphas rose, and adjured Him by the living 

Questions to Chapter 70.— Who betrayed Jesus ? With what ? When the 
soldiers seized Jesus, what did Peter do ? Who alone followed Jesus ? 



PETER DE:N^IES JESUS. 



209 



I God to tell whether He was the Christy the Son of God. 

i Jesus answered : 

I ''I am.'' 

4. The high- 
j)riest, hearing 
this, rent his gar- 
ments, and de- 
clared there was 
no need of fur^ 
ther evidence ; 
all had heard the 
blasphemy, and, 
by their law. He, 
who made Him- 
self God, de- 
served death. He then asked what they thought, 
all cried out, ^^He is worthy of death." 




They 



72. — Peter Denies Jesus. 

1. Whilst Jesus was before the tribunal of the high- 
priest, Peter remained in the hall, among the soldiers, 
warming himself. One of the servants of the high-priest 
came to him and accused him of being not only a follower 
of Jesus, but of having been in the garden with Him. 
Peter declared he knew Him not ; and the cock crew. 

2. A short time after this, another servant, seeing Peter, 
said to those that were standing about : ^' This man was 
also with Jesus." Peter again denied, and swore with an 
oath that he knew not Jesus. 

3. About an hour after this, a friend of Malchus, whose 
ear Peter had cut ofE, also charged him with being a dis- 
ciple of Jesus ; but Peter began to swear he knew not the 
man. The cock crew the second time. 



Questions to Chapter 71.— Where was Jesus led ? What was Jesus asked ? 
What was done to Him ? What was done at the house of Caiphas ? 



210 



HISTORY OE THE XEW TESTAMENT. 



4. At that moment Jesus was led through the hall. 
Turning, He looked at Peter, who remembered what 
Christ had said to him in the early part of the evening : 
''Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny Me thrice." 
Peter went out and wept bitterly. 




It is related in history that after his denial of Christ 
Peter always wept when he heard a cock crow, and so 
frequent were his tears that they made furrows in his 
cheeks. 

5. Man is very weak : Peter saw His Master on Tliabor, and yet 
denied Him in the judgment hall. Had he prayed in the garden, he 
would not have been so timid in trial : let us, therefore, watch and 
pray. 



73. — The Despair of Judas. 

1. When Judas saw that Jesus was condemned to death, 
he repented of what he had done. Going to the chief 
priests, he threw down the thirty pieces of silver, declaring 
he had betrayed innocent blood ; then he went out and 
hanged himself. 

Questions to Chapter 72.— Tell how Peter denied Jesus. What is said of 
Peter's after life ? 



JE8US BEFORE PILATE AKD HEKOD. 211 

2. The priests, taking the money, bought with it a 
potters-field, in which to bury strangers, for it was not 
lawful to put blood-money in the treasury of the temple. 
This field was called by the Jews Haceldama ; that is, the 
field of blood. 

74.— Jesus Insulted. 

1. After Jesus was condemned by the great council, the 
soldiers took Him into a large hall, and there began to 
mock Him and to spit upon Him. Blindfolding Him, 
they buffeted Him, and then tauntingly asked who struck 
Him ; j'et, in the midst of their blasphemies, their jeers, 
and their scoffs, Jesus remained silent— a wonder to men 
and angels. 



75. — Jesus before Pilate and Herod. 

1. As soon as it was day, the great council of the Jews 
assembled, and again condemned Jesus to death. But, 
Judea being at that time a Roman province, the Jews were 
forbidden to inflict punishment of death on any one, until 
they had received the permission of the governor. They, 
therefore, dragged Jesus before Pontius Pilate, who was 
then governor of Judea. 

2. When Jesus was brought before him, Pilate asked 
what was the accusation against Him. The multitude 
cried out : '' He is a seditious man ; He forbids the people 
to pay tribute to Caesar, and, moreover, declares He is 
Christ, the King." 

3. Pilate asked Jesus if He were a king. He declared 
He was, but that His kingdom was not of this world. 
When Pilate heard this, he said to the people : '^ I find 



Questions to Chapter 73.— How did Judas act ? What was done with the 
money ? 

Questions^ to Chapteu 74.— What insults wore heaped upon Jesus'? How 
did Jesus act y 



212 HISTOKY OF TPIE XEW TESTAMENT. 

no fault in the man.'* But they only cried out the more: 
^^ He is a disturber of the peace, from Galilee even to 
Jerusalem.'^ 

4. Pilate, hearing of Galilee, asked if Jesus were a 
Galilean. Learning He Avas, Pilate sent Him to Herod, 
governor of Galilee, who was then in Jerusalem attending 
the Paschal feast. When Herod saw Jesus, he was very 
much pleased. He had heard a great deal about Him, 
and now hoped to see some miracle. 

5. But, when questioned, Jesus remained silent. Herod, 
seeing that his idle curiosity would not be gratified, mocked 
our Savior, and, in derision, clothing Him in a white gar- 
ment, sent Him back to Pilate. That same day Herod 
and Pilate were reconciled to each other, having before 
been enemies. 



76. — Jesus and Barabbas. 

1. During the whole of Christ's trial, Pilate strove to 
save Him, because he saw Jesus was innocent. But Pilate 
was a weak man, and feared to resist popular opinion. 
To add to his embarrassment, his wife had a dream which 
frightened her very much, and, while Pilate was sitting in 
the judgment hall, she sent him a message to have nothing 
to do with Jesus, because He was a just man. 

2. There was a custom among the Jews that, on the 
feast of the Pasch, the governor should release any pris- 
oner whom the people chose. Pilate, hoping to save 
Jesus, presented for their choice Jesus or Barabbas. Now 
Barabbas was a thief and an assassin. 

3. The priests and the ancients persuaded the people to 
demand the release of Barabbas, and the death of Jesus ; 
so, when Pilate again asked whom would he release, they 

Questions to Chapter 75.— What did the great council do ? What could the 
Jows not do ? Why ? Before whom was Christ dragged ? What accusations 
were made against Him ? To whom did Pilate send Jesus ? How did Herod 
treat Jesus ? 



JESUS SCOUKGED AXJ) CKOWXEI) WITH THUKX^S. 213 

I 

cried out: '^Barabbas;'* and when lie asked what he 
would do with Jesus^ tliej cried out : ' ' Crucify Him." 

4. Barabbas is a picture of siu. Man disobeys, and, by his sin, 
drives the grace of God from his soul ; thus, in a certain sense, 
killing the soul. Jesus, came to free man from sin, and, by His 
sufferings, pay the ransom for all sin. 



77.— Jesus is Scourged and Crowned with 
Thorns. 

1. Pilate still hoped to save Jesus from death, and, at 
the same time, satisfy the people ; he, therefore, ordered 
Jesus to be scourged. The soldiers led our blessed Savior 




out of the hall into a court-yard. There they stripped 
Him, and, tying Him to a pillar, scourged Him. 

2. After this, mocking Him, they put a purple garment 
on Him, and, platting a crown of thorns, put it on His 
head. For a scepter, they put a reed in His hand, and. 



Question to Chapter TO.— Tell the *tory of Jesus aud Barabbas. 



214: H18T0KY or THE XEW TE.STAMEXT. 

coming, bowed the knee before Him, saying: '^Hail, 
King of the Jews." They also spat on Him, and, taking 
the reed, struck Him wdth it ; thus driving the thorns 
deeper into His head. 



78. — Jesus is Condemned to Death. 

1. Pilate, seeing the pitiable condition to which Jesus 
was reduced, thought the sight of Him would appease the 
malice of the Jews. For this reason, he led the Son of 
God out on a high balcony, and, presenting Him in all 
His misery, said: ^^ Behold the Man.*' But the barbarous, 
blood-thirsty people only cried out the more: ^^ Crucify 
Him, crucify Him I " 

2. Pilate still continued irresolute, and hesitated what 
to do. But w^hen the leaders of the people came and said 
to him, if he released Jesus, he w^as no friend of Caesar's, 
he seems to have made up his mind. Hoping to quiet the 
stings of his conscience, he took a basin of water and, 
going before the multitude, w^ashed his hands, saying : 
^^ I am innocent of the blood of this just Man." But the 
people cried out : ^' His blood be upon us, and upon our 
children. ' ' 

3. For eighteen hundred years has the blood of Christ 
been upon the Jews. Driven from Judea — without coun- 
try, without home — strangers amongst strangers — hated, 
yet feared — have they w^andered from nation to nation, 
bearing with them the visible signs of God's curse. Like 
Cain, marked w^ith a mysterious sign, they shall continue 
to w^ander till the end of the world. 



Questions to. Chapter 77.— Tell how Christ was scourged. After scourging 
Him what was done ? 

Questions to Chapter 78.— What did Pilate do with Jesus on the balcony? 
W^hat did the people say? W^hat argument did the leaders use to persuade 
Pilate to condemn Jcsu?? What is said of the blood of Jesus, and the 
Jews ? 



THE JOURNEY TO CALVARY. 



215 



79.— The Journey to Calvary. 

1. Pilate, seeing he could not prevail upon the people, 
at last passed sentence of death upon Jesus. Then the 
soldiers took Him, and, placing a heavy cross on His 
wounded shoulders, led Him forth to Calvary. . This was 
the usual place for the execution of criminals. 

2. As Jesus passed through the streets. His strength 
failed, and He fell several times. His executioners, seeing 




He could not carry the cross any further, compelled Simoi\ 
the Cyrene, whom they met on the way, to take it up and 
carry it to Calvary. Together with Jesus, two thieveb 
were also led forth to be crucified. 

3. Amongst the crowd that accompanied Jesus, were 
many women, weeping and lamenting. Turning to them. 
He strove to console them, and, in the kindest words, 
bade them weep not for Him, but for themselves, and for 
their children. 

4. What a sublime example of patience Christ gave in 



210 niSTORY OF THE XEW TESTAMEXT. 

His passion ! Condemned unjustly, He neyertheless, 
without a murmur, takes His cross ; treated with the 
utmost cruelty and inhumanity, He complains not. So 
ought we to act when trials are sent to us, or men perse- 
cute us. 



80.— Jesus is Nailed to the Cross. 

1. When Jesus reached Calvary, the soldiers offered 
Him wine, mixed with gall. This draught helped to render 
the agony of crucifixion less keen, by deadening the feel- 
ing of sense. But Jesus refused to drink, being deter- 
mined to suffer unshrinkingly all his Father had decreed. 

2. He was then stripped of His garments and nailed to 
the cross. On each side of Jesus was crucified one of the 
thieves that had been led forth with Him. The soldiers 
divided His garments amongst them, but for His coat 
they cast lots. 

3. This coat of our Savior was a figure of His Church. 
Wove from top to bottom without seam : so is the Church 
without division — one, and indivisible. 



81. — Jesus on the Cross. 

1. At length Jesus was raised up, and hung suspended 
by His wounds. How cruel were His torments, whilst 
His blood ran in streams to the ground ! But the Jews 
remained unmoved ; nay, they even mocked Him, and, in 
derision, cried out: ^^Vah! You, who said You could 
destroy the temple of God, and in three days rebuild it, 
come down from the cross, if You be the Son of God.'' 



Questions to Chapter 79.— Who passed sentence of death on Jesus ? What 
was placed on Christ's shoulders? What happened on the way to Calvary? 
Who carried the cross ? Who were in the crowd ? What did Jesus say to the 
women ? 

Questions to Chapter 80,— What was done to Jesus on Calvary? Who 
were crucified witli Jesns ? What was done with his garments ? 



MARY AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS. 217 

The only ansAver Jesus made was a prayer for their for- 
giveness : ^^ Father," said He, ^^ forgive them, for they 
know not what they do." 

2. One of the thieves who was hanging at His side also 
began to blaspheme, and, chiding, bade Him, if He were 
the Christ, to save Himself and them. But the other 
thief remonstrated: ''We," said he, ''suffer justly, but 
this Man unjustly." Then he turned to Jesus and asked 
to be remembered by Him. Jesus said : " This day thou 
shalt be with Me in paradise." 

3. In this history of the penitent thief we have one of the best 
examples of the power of prayer — one repentant word, and he is 
saved. In tlie desert, Moses set up a brazen serpent, upon w^hich 
those who were bitten looked, and were cured; on Calvary, Jesus 
hung upon the cross, that those who look upon Him in faith and 
love mav be cured of the wounds of the soul. 



82. — Mary at the Foot of the Cross. 

1. Whilst Jesus was hanging upon the cross^ Mary^ His 
mother, and John the Apostle, came and stood at its foot. 
When Jesus saw them. He said to His mother : " Woman, 
behold thy son ! " then He said to John: "Behold thy 
mother ! " and from that hour John took the Blessed 
Virgin under his care. 

2. As formerly the heroic mother of the Machabees 
stood encouraging her seven sons to die bravely for their 
religion, so did Mary stand at the foot of the cross. Then, 
indeed, was Simeon's prophecy fulfilled ; truly, a sword 
of sorrow pierced her heart. In John, every Christian 
was given as a child to Mary. 



Questions to Chapter 81 —What is said of Jesus on the cross? How did 
the Jews act ? How did Jesus answer them ? What happened to one of the 
thieves? What example does the penitent thief give us? What is said of the 
brazen serpent and the cross ? 

Questions to Chapter 82.— What is said of Mary and Johr at the foot of 
ihe cross ? 



218 



HISTOEY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



83.— Jesus Dies upon the Cross. 

1. About noon of the day on which Christ was crucified, 
the whole earth was coyered with darkness. This con- 
tinued for three hours. In the midst of this general 
gloom, and, as life was ebbing away, Jesus, seeing that 
God had withdrawn His consolations from Him, cried 
out : " My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken me ? " 




2. After this, Jesus said : " I thirst." A soldier dipped 
a sponge in vinegar, and, putting it on a reed, gave Him 
to drink. When Jesus had tasted the vinegar. He said, 
^^ It is consummated," and, bowing down His head, died. 

3. At the moment Christ died, nature shook to her 
centre ; the earth trembled, the rocks were split, the 
graves were opened, and the dead arose ; the vail of the 
temple was rent from the top to the bottom. When the 
centurion and the guard of soldiers that stood round the 



JESUS 18 LAID TX THE TOMB. 210 

cross saw this, they cried out : '^Indeed, this was the Son 
of God." The multitude returned to Jerusalem, striking 
their breasts, and wondering at what they had seen. 

4. At length, man's Redemption is accomplished ; Christ has tri- 
umphed. His extended arms show the extent of His love, and His 
wounds are the fountains from whence grace flows to pay the debt 
of sin. With Christ's death, ended the law of Moses; hence, the 
vail of the temple, which had heretofore separated the people from 
the sanctuary, was torn, as a sign that Christ had opened the way 
to heaven. The bloody sacrifices of Moses had passed away — the 
shadow was gone — and, in their stead, was substituted the only 
true and real sacrifice, Jesus Christ. 



84. — Jesus is Laid in the Tomb. 

1. Christ was crucified on the eve of the Sabbath. 
That the bodies of the criminals might not remain ex- 
posed to yiew during the Paschal solemnities, the soldiers 
broke the legs of the two thieves, that they might die the 
sooner. But when they came to Jesus, He was already 
dead, so they did not break His legs, but one of them 
opened His side with a spear. Immediately there ran 
forth blood and water. 

3. Towards eyening, Joseph of Aremithea, a member of 
the gi'eat Jewish council, but a secret belieyer in Christ, 
came to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Pilate 
haying granted his prayer, Joseph and Nicodemus came 
and took the body from the cross. They then embalmed 
it with precious perfumes, and, wrapping it in \yhite 
linen cloths, laid it in a sepulcher. This sepulcher.was 
cut in a rock, and situated in a garden near Calyary. 

3. The chief priests and Pharisees, though they had 
apparently conquered, were not at ease. They remem- 
bered well that Jesus had foretold His death, and how He 
would rise again on tlie third day. Fearing that, possibly. 

Questions to Chapter 83.— What happened at noon of the day Christ was 
cnicified ? What did Jesus say just before he died ? What happened when 
Christ died ? 



330 



HISTORY OF THE XEW TESTAMEI^T. 



the Apostles might steal the body and declare that He 
had risen, they came to Pilate and asked him to place 




his seal upon the tomb, and set a guard to watch it. He 
did so. 

4. Eve, the mother of mankind, was taken from Adam's side ; so 
the Church, our spiritual mother, came forth from the side of 
Christ. It was forbidden to break the bones of the Paschal lamb ; 
neither were the bones of Jesus Christ, the true Paschal Lamb, 
broken. In all things, even the smallest, we see the fulfillment 
not only of the prophecies, but of the types and figures that fore- 
told the life and death of Christ. 



THE GLORIOUS LIFE OF JESUS CHRIST. 

85. — The Resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

1. The body of Jesus Christ was two days in the tomb. 
On the morning of the third, the guards were startled by 



Questions to Chapter 84.— What was done to the thieves? What did one 
of the soldiers do ? What ran fi*om Christ's side ? Who asked for Christ's body ? 
Wliat was done with it 1 How was the tomb guarded ? What is said of Eve and 
the Clnirch ? 



THE RESURKECTIOX OF JESUS CHRIST. 221 

an earthquake, that shook the ground, and the sudden 
appearance of an angel, that rolled back the stone from 
the mouth of the sej)ulcher. Their wonder knew no 
l)0unds when they saw Jesus coming forth from the tomb, 
His face shining as the sun. For the moment, in terror, 
they fell to the ground ; then, rising, fled into Jeru- 
salem. 




2. Early in the morning of the third day, Mary Mag- 
dalene, and Mary, the mother of James and Salome, came 
to the tomb, that they might embalm the body of Jesus. 
On the way, they began to consider how they would roll 
back the stone that closed up the door of the sepulcher. 
No wonder, when they arriyed and found, not only the 
stone rolled back, but the tomb empty, they were over- 
come with astonishment. 

3. As soon as Mary Magdalene saw how matters stood, 
she hastened back and told the Apostles, but the other 
women remained. Stooping down, to look into the tomb, 
they saw an angel, who bade them fear not, for Jesus was 



323 HISTORY OF THE KEW TESTA :\rEJSrT. 

risen, and had gone before them into Galilee, where they 
would see Him. The angel told them also to hasten to 
the Apostles, and more particularly to Peter, and tell 
them the news. 

4. These pious women had hardly left the place, when 
Peter and John came. They had doubted Mary Magda- 
lene's Avord, and came to see for themselyes. John arrived 
first, but Peter entered first. Finding nothing but the 
linens in which the body had been wrapped, they hastened 
back to tell the others. 

5. As He foretold, Jesus remained among the dead as long as 
Jonas had been in the whale's belly. Though dead, His sacred 
body was not corrupted, for long before had the psalmist declared : 
'' Thy Holy One shall not see corruption." 

Jesus was not raised from the dead— He rose by His ow^n pow-er ; 
and, as His body rose glorious and transformed, so shall the bodies 
of the just rise, Since the resurrection of Christ, His tomb has 
remained, and ever will remain, an object of reverence and love to 
the Christian world. 



86.— Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene. 

1. Scarce had Peter and John left the sepulcher, when 
Mary Magdalene arrived. Overwhelmed with sorrow at 
the loss of the body of her Master^ she entered the sepul- 
cher. Here she met an angel^ who asked her why she 
wept. She answered: ^^ They have taken away the body 
of my Lord, and I know not where they have laid it.^^ 

2. When she had said this, not knowing it was an angel 
to whom she spoke, she left the sepulcher. As she came 
out, she met Jesus, but did not know Him. Thinking 
He was the gardener, she asked Him where the body was. 
But Jesus simply said, ^^Mary,'' when she recognized 
Him, and threw herself at His feet. 

Questions to Chapter 85.— How long was the body of Jesus in the tomb ? 
What happened on rhe third day? Who came to the tomb? What did they 
find ? What is said of Mary Magdalene ? What of the other women ? What did 
Peter and John do? What is said of Jesus and Jonas? What of the tomb of 
Christ ? 



THE KESLRREOTIOX OF JESUS AXKOUN^CEl). 



223 



3. Jesus then told her to hasteu and tell the Apostles, 
for He was about to ascend to His Father. Having dis- 




appeared from her sight, Mary came to the disciples ; 
but they would neither believe that she had seen the 
Lord, nor that He was risen. 



87.— The Resurrection of Jesus is Announced to 
the Chief Priests. 

1. When the guards fled from the sepulcher, they 
hastened to the city to tell what had happened. The 
chief priests having heard the startling news, assembled 
the rulers of the people to consider Avhat steps they should 
take. 

2. They saw that, if the news went among the people 
that Jesus was risen from the dead, all their schemes to 
discredit Him would be forever destroyed : so they called 



Questions to Chapter 86.— What is said of Mary Magdalene ? Whom did 
she meet? How did she recognize Jesns ? What mespago did Jof^iis give her? 
How did the Apostles receive her ? 



224 HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMEXT. 

the guards before them^ and promised to give tliem money 
if they would only agree to say: ''The disciples of Jesus 
came^ while they slept, and stole the body away.'^ The 
soldiers took the money and did as they were required. 



88.— Jesus Appears to Two Disciples while they 
were going to Emmaus. 

1. Towards evening of the day Jesus rose from the 
dead, two of His disciples were going to Emmaus, a little 
village, about two leagues from Jerusalem. On the way 
they talked of what had happened during the past days. 

2. Jesus came near them and began to speak to them, 
but they did not recognize Him. Eemarkiug how sad 
they were, one of them, named Cleophas, asked Him if 
He were a stranger, or how came it that He had not heard 
what had happened at Jerusalem. 

3. They then told Him of Jesus ; how they had believed 
He was the Messiah, and what great hopes had been 
founded on Him ; but, just as they thought His power 
about to be established, the chiefs of the Jews had seized 
upon Him and crucified Him ; and this was, moreover, 
the third day since He had been laid in the tomb. They 
added also, strange rumors were afloat that He was again 
risen. 

4. When they had finished, Jesus began with the proph- 
ecies of Moses, and, continuing (hrough the prophets, 
explained to them the things that related to Himself, 
showing it Avas necessary for Christ to suffer as He had. 

As they drew near the town. He pretended to go fur- 
ther ; but they pressed Him to remain with them, as it 
was evening. 

5. Yielding to their wishes. He sat down to table with 
them. He took bread, and blessed it, and gave it to them. 

Q,up:stion?' to CuArTER 87.— What did the chief prie^tti do y ^^'hat bargain 
did they make with the soldiers ? 



JESUS INSTITUTES THE SACK AM EXT OF PEXAXCE. 225 

Their eyes Avere opened, and they knew Him ; but He 
immediately vanished from their sight. 

6. After His resurrection, Jesus showed Himself no more to the 
Jews ; they had rejected Him and resisted all His efforts to convert 
them ; He appeared only to His disciples. 

In like manner to-day He comes to those who, with a good heart, 
receive Him, but abandons those who despise his warnings and 
reject His graces. 

89. — Jesus Appears to the Apostles. 

1. After Jesus had disappeared^ the two disciples rose 
and hastened back to Jerusalem. Here they found the 
eleven Apostles in a great state of excitement^ for Peter 
had just come in, declaring he had seen the Lord. Then 
the two disciples told how they also had seen Him, and 
how they had known Him in the breaking of bread. 

2. Whilst they were yet speaking, Jesus entered the 
room in which they were all assembled, the doors being 
shut. He said to them : '[ Peace be to you.'' And when 
the Apostles were doubting and troubled, fearing it was 
a spirit they saw, Jesus showed them His hands and His 
feet, and bade them touch Him, and convince themselves 
that it was not a spirit they saw. They still doubting, 
He took a piece of broiled fish, and a part of a honey- 
comb, and eat it before them. 



90. — Jesus Institutes the Sacrament of Penance. 

1. When at last the Apostles were convinced it was the 
Lord they saw, Jesus repeated His salutation of peace be 
to them. He added besides : ''As the Father hath sent 
Me, I also send you.^' Then He breathed upon them, and 
said: ^^Eeceive ye the Holy Ghost : whose sins you shall 



Questions to Chapteb 88.— Tell what happened to the two disciples on the 
way to Emmaus, How did they recognize Jesus ? 

Questions to Cuaptek 89. — To whom else did Jesus appear y How ? How 
did Jesns prove He w.:s not a spirit? 



226 HISTORY OF THE KEW TESTAMENT. 

forgiye, they are forgiyeii them ; and whose sins you shall 
retain^ they are retained them/* 

2. In these two commissions conferred upon the Apostles, we 
have the most unqualified proof of the divinity of the Catholic 
Church and the power of the Catholic priesthood. The Apostles 
were mortal, but the Church is immortal ; hence, tliese powers 
were conferred not only on the Apostles, but were, through them, 
to descend to their legitimate successors, the bishops and priests of 
the Catholic Church. 

3. From the beginning, the bishops and priests have claimed the 
power to forgive sins ; but it is a power they can only exercise in 
the administration of the Sacrament of Penance. 



91. — Jesus and St. Thomas. 

1. Thomas^ one of the Apostles, was absent when Jesus 
appeared to the others. But Thomas would not believe 
on their word, and even declared that, unless with his 
own eyes he saw the marks of the nails in the hands and 
feet of Jesus, and put his hand into the side of Jesus, he 
would not believe. 

2. Eight days after this, the Apostles were assembled, 
and Thomas with them. Again Jesus entered, the doors 
being shut. Jesus then bade Thomas look at His wounds, 
and put his hand into His side. 

3. When Thomas saw Jesus, he fell down on his knees 
and cried out : " My Lord, and my God." But Jesus said 
to him : "'^ Because thou hast seen Me, Thomas, thou hast 
belieyed ; blessed are they that have not seen Me, and 
have believed." 

92.— Peter is Appointed Chief Pastor. 

1. In obedience to the command of Jesus, tlie Apostles 
left Jerusalem and went into Galilee. Here Jesus appeared 



Questions to Chapter 90.— Tell how Jesus instituted the Sacrament of Pen- 
ance. How is the divinity of the Catholic Church proved ? How is the power of 
the priesthood shown ? In what sacrament are sins forgiven ? 

Question to Chapter 91.— Wliat is said of Jesus and Thomas ? 



PETER IS APPOINTED CHIEF PASTOR. 



227 



to them at Lake Genesareth, and again their nets were 
filled with a miraculous draught of fishes. 

2. After they had all dined, Jesus said to Peter: 
''Simon, lovest thou Me more than these ?" And upon 
Peter declaring how much he did love Him, Jesus said : 
''Feed My lambs/' This same question was repeated 




until the third time, when Jesus said : ^^ Feed My 
sheep.'' 

3. By the lambs and the sheep, are meant the faithful and the 
pastors of the Church. There is something remarkable in the man- 
ner in which Christ treats Peter : Christ enters Peter's ship ; Peter 
is called the rock ; Peter is commissioned to confirm the other 
Apostles ; Christ prays for Peter ; and, in all the lists of the Apos- 
tles, Peter is always named first. 

This primacy continues in the Catholic Church, and is found in 
the Popes, who are the legitimate successors of Peter. 



Questions to Chapter 92. — What happened at Lake Genesareth ? What 
power was conferred on Peter ? How did Christ treat Peter ? In whom is the 
primacy found? 



228 HISTORY OF THE XEW TESTAMENT. 



93.— The Promise of the Holy Ghost. 

1. After this, Jesus appeared several times to His 
Apostles, instructing them, and directing them in their 
future labors. He spoke to them more in detail of the 
nature and destiny of His Church; of her developments 
and establishment upon earth. 

2. On the fortieth day after His resurrection, Jesus 
appeared, for the last time on earth, to His Apostles, 
who were then all assembled at Jerusalem. Amongst 
other things, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem 
for a few days, but to remain till the Holy Ghost should 
come upon them ; after which they should go forth to 
bear testimony of Him — not only in Jerusalem and Judea, 
but even to the end of the earth.— This promise was ful- 
filled ten days after, when the Holy Ghost came, in the 
form of fiery tongues, and sat upon the Apostles. 



94.— Christ's Last Commission to His Apostles— 
His Ascension. 

1. After Jesus had finished speaking. He led His 
Apostles out to Mount Olivet. There He said to them : 
*' All power is given to Me in heaven and in earth : go 
into the whole world and preach the Gospel to all nations, 
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, 
and of the Holy Ghost : and behold, I am with you all 
days, even to the consummation of the world. ^' 

2. Jesus, having finished speaking, lifted up His hands 
and blessed His Apostles. Whilst in the very act of bless- 
ing them, He slowly rose from the earth and ascended into 
heaven, where He sits, and will forever sit, on the right 
hand of His Father. 

Questions to Chapter 93.— On what did Christ more particularly instruct 
His Apostles ? What happened on the fortieth day ? What command did Christ 
give the Apostles ? 



CHRIST'S LAST COMMISSION —HIS ASCEXSIOX. 



229 



Lost in wonder, and overwhelmed with sorrow, the 
Apostles continued to gaze upon Him as He ascended, 
until a cloud coming, concealed Him from their sight. 




3. While the Apostles were still looking up to heayen, 
two angels, clad in white robes, came and said to them : 
^' This Jesus, whom you have seen ascending into heaven, 
shall come again." 

The Apostles, hearing this, fell upon the ground and 
adored God ; then, rising, -returned to Jerusalem to await 
the fulfillment of the promises made to them. 

4. Elias was a figure of Christ. This prophet was carried up to 
heaven in a fiery chariot ; and, according to the prophecy of Mala- 
chias, He will come again on earth j ust before the last day. 

Adam, by sin, drew man from God; Christ, by His ascension, 
raised man's thoughts to heaven, and held out the hope of a blessed 
eternity. 



Questions to Chapter 94.— What was the last commission Christ gave His 
Apostles ? From what Mount did Christ ascend ? Tell what happened to the 
Apostles. What is said of Elias and Adam ? 



230 HI^TOEY OF THE KEW TESTAMENT. 

95. — An Observation. 

1. All that has been here related of the life of our 
blessed Saviour — what He did, and what He said — is 
found in the four Gospels. But we must not conclude 
from this that Jesus did nothing nor said any thing 
besides. 

2. It is a part of Catholic teaching that Christ said man}^ 
things and did much that is not related in the sacred 
Scriptures ; nay, we have it on the authority of St. John 
himself, in the last chapter of his Gospel, that Jesus did 
so many things besides what have been recorded, that he 
verily believed, if they were all written, the world could 
not contain the books in which they should be written. 



P^RT SECOISTD. 

THE HISTORY OF THE APOSTLES, 



96. — A Preliminary Remark. 

1. Jesus Christ came into the world that He might 
destroy the power of the devil and, in its place, establish 
the kingdom of God ; hence, at His ascension, He left 
His Church small, it is true, but yet complete, that, like 
a grain of mustard-seed, it might grow until it had filled 
the whole world. 

2. This growth and expansion of the Church was first 
begun in Judea, and afterwards extended to the whole 
world, under and by the Apostles themselves, whose history 
we are about to relate in the following chapters. 

Questions to Chapter 95.— What is said in this chapter ? What is a part of 
Catholic teaching ? 

Question to Chapter 96,— What is said of the rise and development of the 
Church ? 



THE DESCENT OF THE HOLY GHOST. 231 

97. — The Election of the Apostle Matthias. 

1. After the ascension, the Apostles remained at Jeru- 
salem, as they had been commanded. For ten days they 
continued in prayer, the Blessed Virgin and many of the 
disciples being Avith them. They occupied an upper 
room — called among Eastern nations, a Cenaculum. 
Here, in all, were assembled about a hundred and 
twenty persons. 

2. It was during this time Peter rose and proposed 
that, as Judas Iscariot had proved false to his apostleshijD, 
another be chosen in his stead. The proposition was 
approved, and, having prayed to God, lots were cast, 
and Matthias, one of the disciples, chosen. 



98.— The Descent of the Holy Ghost. 

1. Ten days after the ascension of Jesns Christ, was 
celebrated the Jewish Pentecost. On this day, while the 
Apostles and disciples were still within the upper chamber, 
suddenly there was heard the sound, as if it were, of a 
great wind coming from heaven. At the same time there 
appeared cloven tongues of fire, that sat upon each one 
present. 

2. In a moment all were filled with the Holy Ghost. 
No longer timid or fearful, the Apostles sallied forth to 
preach Christ, and Him crucified. 

Jerusalem was filled with strangers who had come up 
from all parts of the world to celebrate the feast of Pente- 
cost. Soon the news spread abroad, and, in a short time, 
an immense multitude assembled round the house in 
which the Apostles were. But what was their astonish- 
ment, when each one heard the Apostles speaking in his 
own tongue ! 

Questions to Chapter 97.— After the asceiisiou, what was done ? ^Vhat did 
Peter do ? Who wasi chosen ? 



232 



HISTOKY OF THE NEW TESTAMf:XT. 




3. Amazed and confounded, they asked: ^^Are not 
these Galileans who speak? and how comes it that we 
every one hear our own tongue ? " But others said : 
'' They are full of new wine." 

4. Then Peter rose, and, standing with the eleven, said : 
'^Men of Judea, and all you that dwell in Jerusalem, 
know that these men are not drunk, but in them are 
fulfilled the words of the prophet Joel: 'And it shall 
come to pass and I will pour out My Spirit upon all 
flesh.' 

5. '^ Moreover, this also hear: Jesus of Nazareth, a 
man who, by the wonders and miracles He wrought in 
your midst, proved Himself sent by God, was crucified 
and put to death b)" wicked men ; but now He is in 
heaven, seated at the right hand of God. It is He that 
has poured out His Spirit u]3on us, as you see ; and it is 
certain that Jesus is the Savior and the Lord of heaven 
and earth." 

6. When the multitude heard this, they were touched 
Avith compunction, and asked Peter what they Avoiild do. 



PETER CURES THE LAME MA:Nr. 233 

But he answered : ''Do penance, luid be baptized in the 
name of Jesus Christ." 

On this occasion about three thousand were baptized. 
With them began that miraculous expansion of the Church 
that, increasing day by day, ended in the conversion of 
the world and the establishment of Christianity. 

7, Ou the day of Pentecost the Holy Ghost enhghtened the minds 
of the multitude, tliat they might understand the Apostles ; but at 
Babel God confounded the multitude, that, by the confusion of 
tongues, their pride might be humbled, and their vain project 
stopped. 

8. The first Jewish Pentecost was celebrated at Mount Sinai, 
amid thunder and lightning. There God proclaimed the Old Law. 
On the first Christian Pentecost, the Holy Ghost came in the form 
of fiery tongues, that He might confirm and give testimony of the 
New Law. 

The Jewish Pentecost was celebrated during the harvest feast ; 
on the first Christian Pentecost the Holy Ghost reaped a rich harvest 
of converts among the Jews. 



99. — Peter Cures the Lame Man. 

1. Shortly after Peter's first sermon to the Jews, and 
the miraculous conversion of the three thousand, Peter 
and John went up to the temple to pray. A man, who 
had been lame from his birth, was every day carried by 
his friends and laid at one of the gates of the temple, that 
he might beg alms from those who entered. 

2, AYhen this man saw Peter and John entering, he 
begged an alms from them. Peter said to him : ^' Gold or 
silver, I have none to give, but what I have I A^'ill give : 
in the name of Jesus Christ, rise and walk.'' 

On the spot, the man rose, and, leaping for joy, entered 
the temple praising God. 



Questions to Chapter 98.— When was Pentecost celebrated ? What hap- 
pened to the Apostles ? Who were in Jerusalem ? What caused astonishment ? 
What did Peter say ? What did the people do ? How many were converted at 
Peter's first sermon ? What is said of the Jewish, and what of the Christian 
Pentecost ? 



234 



HISTORY OF THE XEW TESTA^iEJS^T. 



3. When the multitude saw this, they stood confounded 

and amazed. 
Peter, seeing 
their astonish- 
ment, said: 
"Why do you 
wonder at 
this ? or w^hy 
do you look at 
us as if by our 
power we had 
made this 
man to walk ? 
Know, it is in 
the name and 
by the power 

of Jesus of Nazareth that this man walks. '^ 

This discourse, and the sight of the miracle that had 

been wrought, produced so great an impression on the 

multitude that five thousand people were converted and 

baptized. 




100. — Peter and John before the Great Council. 

1. Whilst Peter and John were yet speaking to the 
people, the priests and the officers commanding in the 
temple came to them. Enraged to find the Apostles 
openly teaching, they laid hands on them and cast them 
into prison. 

3. On the folloiWng day the chief priests assembled in 
the council hall. Peter and John, being brought in, were 
asked by what power they had cured the lame man. Peter 
said ^Hhe lame man had been cured in the name and by 
the power of Jesus Christ, whom they had crucified, and 
who was now risen from the dead." 



Q.UESTTONs TO CHAPTER 99 — Who ciirecl the lame man ? 
fc^ay? What was the result of Peter's words ? 



What did Peter 



AKAKIA8 AIS^D SAPHIRA. 235 

3. When the priests heard this, they put the Apostles 
out of the council hall. Consulting with themselves, 
they asked what should be done. '^^It was clear/' said 
they, ''a miracle had been wrought, and they could not 
deny it." 

4. Having agreed among themselves, they recalled the 
Apostles, and forbade them either to speak or to teach any 
more in the name of Jesus. But Peter asked : " Is it just 
we should obey you rather than God ? We must speak 
what we have seen and heard." 

The judges contented themselves with merely theaten- 
ing the two Apostles, and then dismissed them. 



101. — The Lives of the First Christians. 

1. Nothing could exceed the holiness of the lives of the 
first Christians. All had but one heart, and all were 
animated with the same spirit. The Apostles were un- 
Avearied in their labors, and the faithful were constant in 
the breaking of bread, and in the labor of prayer. 

2. All their goods were in common. Those who had 
fields or houses sold them, and placed the price in the 
hands of the Apostles, who distributed to each according 
as he needed. Soon their unbounded charity to the poor, 
and their brotherly love for each other, began to produce 
their effects. Both Jew and Gentile was forced to respect 
them. Their numbers increased daily. 



102. — Ananias and Saphira. 

1. At this time there lived a man named Ananias, and 
his wife Saphira. They sold a field, but secretly kept 

Questions to Chapter 100.— What happened to Peter and John? ^Vhat 
answer did they give the council ? 

Questions to Chapter 101. — What is said of the early Chrititians ? How 
were their goods held 't What effects did their lives p'roduce ? 



236 HISTORY OF THE KEW TESTAMENT. 

back a part of the price. The balance, Ananias gave to 
the Apostles, pretending it was all he had received. 

2. Peter said to him : " Ananias, why haye you suffered 
Satan to tempt you to lie to the Holy Ghost ? and why 
have you kept back a part of the price of the field ? You 
haye not lied to men, but to God. " 

On the spot, Ananias fell down dead at the feet of the 
Apostle. 

3. Three hours after, Saphira came and, not knowing 
what had happened to her husband, repeated the same 
lie. She also fell dead. When these things were heard, 
fear and terror came upon all the faithful. 



103. — The Apostles are Thrown into Prison. 

1. The Apostles continued to Avork miracles. From 
the yillages round about, the sick, and those possessed by 
unclean spirits, were brought to Jerusalem, and the 
Apostles cured them. Peter, above all the rest, was held 
in the highest esteem. So unlimited became his power, 
that his yery shadow cured the sick as he passed through 
the streets. 

2. By the authority of the Jewish priests, Peter and 
John were again seized and cast into prison ; but, during 
the night, an angel opened the prison doors and bade 
them go forth to the temple and teach the people. 

3. In the morning, when the officers went to bring the 
Apostles before the council, they found the doors of the 
prison indeed closed, and the guards at their post, but no 
prisoners. The council was confounded. 

4. Shortly after, a man came, who told them Peter and 
John were in the temple teaching the people. An officer 
hastened and, with great yiolence, brought them before 
the council. The high-priest rose and reproached them 
for continuing to preach, notwithstanding the former 



Quj2STI0N to Chapter 102.— Tell the hi^rtory of Aiiaiiia« and Saphira. 



STEPHEi^ THE DEACOX — THE FIRST MARTYR. 237 

l)rohibitioiis of tlie council. The Apostles said: ^^God 
must be obeyed.'' At the same time, Peter declared that 
Jesus, whom they had crucified, was the Christ, and that 
He was risen from the dead. 

5. When the priests heard tliis, they gnashed their 
teeth, and, in their rage, began to consider how they 
might put them to death. 

At this part of the proceedings, Gamaliel, a member of 
the great council, and also a doctor of the Law, rose and 
commanded the Apostles to be put out. 

6. " Men of Israel," said he, " consider well what you 
are about to do. If this be the work of men, it will soon 
fall to nothing ; but if it be the work of God, you can not 
destroy it." They despised this advice. 

7. The Apostles were recalled, and, haying been 
scourged, were forbidden again to speak in the name 
of Jesus. But they went forth from the council rejoicing 
that they were found Avorthy to suffer for their divine 
Master. Neither did they cease, either in the temple or 
in the houses, to preach Jesus Christ. 



104.— Stephen the Deacon — The First Martyr. 

1. As the number of the faithful increased, there arose 
murmurs on account of the manner in which the food 
was distributed. When the Apostles saw this, they di- 
rected the peoj3le to choose seven men, of good character, 
full of wisdom and the Holy Ghost, and they laid their 
hands upon them. These were the seven deacons spoken 
of in the Scriptures, among whom were Philip and Ste- 
phen. To them was intrusted the care of the temporalities 
of the Church, that the Apostles might give themselves 



Questions to Chapter 103.— What did the Apostles continue to do ? What 
ifi said of Peter's shadow? WTiat was done to Peter and John? How were 
they set at liberty ? What did the council do ? What did Peter answer ? 
What did Gamaliel say? What was done to the Apostles? How did they act 
after ? 



238 



H18T0RY OF THE KEW TESTAMENT. 



entirely to prayer^ and to the preaching of the Avord of 
God. 

3. Stephen did great a\ onders and wrought many mira- 
cles ; few could resist the power of his eloquence. 

The Jews accused him of haying spoken against Moses 
and blasphemed against God ; then they seized him and 
led him before the great council. When he stood before 
the judges, those who looked at him thought they saw the 
face of an angel. 




3. The high-priest rose and asked him if the charges 
that had been made against him were true. Stephen, 
standing before the council, answered by reyiewing the 
history of the Jewish Church, and showing that it w^as 
but the forerunner of the Christian dispensation. He 
concluded with reproaching the Jews for their disbelief in 
having resisted the Holy Ghost, and for haA^ing crucified 
the Messiah. 

4. When they heard this, they shook with rage, and 
gnashed their teeth against him. Their anger knew no 



CONFIRMATTOX — BAPTISM OF THE ETHIOPIAN. 239 

bounds when Stephen^ lifting up his eyes, cried out : '^I 
see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at 
the right hand of God." 

5. Hearing this, the multitude stopped their ears, and, 
rushing upon him, hurried him out of the city to stone 
him. The witnesses laid their garments at the feet of a 
young man named Saul — afterwards better known as the 
celebrated St. Paul. Whilst they were stoning him, 
Stephen exclaimed : " Lord, lay this not to their charge." 
Having said this, he slept in tlie Lord. 

G. The Jews have a dreadful account to give to God : they perse- 
cuted the prophets, they crucified the Savior, they put to death 
the Apostles. But truth spreads, the more it is persecuted; so 
that the saying, '' The Nood of the martyrs is the seed of the 
Church,'' has passed into an adage. 



105. — Confirmation — The Baptism of the Ethi- 
opian. 

L With Stephen's death, began, at Jerusalem, a cruel 
persecution against the Church. Saul was one of the 
bitterest enemies of the Cliristians ; his anger knew no 
rest. With unsparing fury, men and Avomen were dragged 
before the tribunals and cast into prison. Many fled 
from Jerusalem and spread themselyes through Judea 
and Samaria. 

2.- Those who thus fled, passing from place to place, 
preached the word of God. Amongst the number was 
Philip the deacon, who, going to Samaria, preached the 
Gospel. He wrought miracles, and many were conyerted. 

3. The Apostles at Jerusalem, hearing that Samaria 
had received the word of God, sent thither Peter and 
John. When they were come, praying, they laid their 



Questions to Chapter 104. — Why were deacons chosen ? What was in- 
trusted to their care ? What did Stephen do ? What did he say before the 
council ? How was it received ? What was done to Stephen ? What was laid 
at the feet of Saul ? What effect has persecution on the Church ? 



340 



HISTOIIY OP THE KEW TESTAMEKT. 



hands upon the conyerts, and as many as were baptized 
receiyed the Holy Ghost. 




4. In this visit of Peter and John at Samaria, there is the clearest 
evidence of the Apostolic institution of the sacrament of Confirma- 
tion. Philip could preach and baptize, but, being only a deacon, 
could not conflrm. Apostles alone, and their successors, the bishops 
of the Church, can confirm. 

5. Whilst Philip was at Samaria^ an angel came to him 
and commanded him to go down by the road that led 
from Jerusalem to Gaza. Philip obeyed. On the way 
he met a distinguished Ethiopian eunuch^ the treasurer 
of the queen of Ethiopia. He had been up to Jeru- 
salem to attend at one of the feasts. At the moment 
Philip met him^ he Avas sitting in bis chariot^, reading 
from the proj)het Isaias. 

6. Directed by the Holy Ghost, Philip drew near, and 
asked, him if he understood what he read. But the 
eunuch answered: ^^How can I, unless some one show 
me ? " Philip went up into the chariot and began to 
speak to him of Jesus and the Gospel. 

7. Amongst other things, Philip spoke to him of Bap- 
tism. Meanwhile they came to a place where there was 



THE ( OXYKKSION- OF ST. PAUL. 241 

water, when the eunuch asked why he could not be bap- 
tized. Philip said, if he believed, there was no objection. 




Upon the eunuch declaring he did believe in Jesus Christ, 
he was baptized. 

The eunuch, full of joy^ continued his journey, but the 
Spirit of God took Philip away. 



106.— The Conversion of St. Paul. 

1. After the martyrdom of St. Stephen, Saul became 
one of the most active persecutors of the Christians. 
Eesolved on their ruin, he went to the high-priest and 
asked for letters to the synagogues at Damascus authoriz- 
ing him to seize upon every man or woman, whom he 
would find either believing in Jesus, or teaching in His 
name. 

2. Animated with this spirit, and armed with the 



Questions to Chapter 105 —After Stephen's death, what happened at Jern- 
salem ? Who was a bitter enemy ? Who preached at Samaria ? How do you 
show that the Apo^^tles administered Confirmation? Tell the history of Philip 
and the Eunuch. 



U2 



HISTOKY OF THE K£W TESTAMENT. 



authority of the Jewish priesthood^ he started for Da- 
mascus. As he approached the place^ suddenly a bright 
light shone round about him. Struck, as if by lightning, 
he fell to the ground, while, at the same time, a voice 
said to him : '' Saul, Saul, why dost thou persecute me ? ^^ 
Saul asked, who spoke to him, when the voice said : ^'I 
am Jesus, whom thou persecutest." 




3. Trembling and confounded, Saul asked what he 
should do. Jesus bade him rise and go into the city, 
when it would be told him what he must do. Saul rose, 
but discovered he was blind. His companions led him 
into Damascus, where he remained three days at the house 
of one Judas, neither eating nor drinking. 

4. At this time there lived in Damascus a man named 
Ananias. The Lord commanded him to go to Saul and 
place his hands upon him. No sooner had Ananias 
touched Saul, than scales fell from his eyes, and he 
recovered his sight. Saul rose and was baptized. His 
name was changed to Paul. 



PETER VISITS THE CHURCHES IN JUDEA, ETC. 243 

5. With all the zeal of a new convert, Paul began to 
preach Jesus. All that heard him were astonished. The 
Jews became very angTj, and, by every means in their 
power, strove to put him to death ; but God protected 
him. 

6. In the history of Saul we have the fulfillment of Jacob's 
prophecy to his son Benjamin, when he said: ** Benjamin is a 
ravenous wolf : in the morning he shall eat the prey, and in the 
evening he shall divide the spoil." 

Saul belonged to the tribe of Benjamin. In his youth, the morn- 
ing of life, he persecuted the Church ; afterwards, in the evening 
of life, he gathered together both Jew and Gentile, and offered 
them as a precious gift at the feet of Christ, 



107. — Peter Visits the Different Churches in 
Judea — Cornelius is Baptized. 

1. When the persecution had somewhat ceased, Peter 
visited the several churches in Judea, preaching to the 
people, and confirming them in their faith. 

At Lydda, Peter cured a man, named Eneas, who, for 
eight years, had been confined to his bed by the palsy. 
At Joppe he raised to life the charitable Tabitha. By the 
fame of these miracles many were converted, and the 
influence of Christianity extended. 

2. While Peter was still at Joppe, there lived at Cesarea 
a man named Cornelius. One day, whilst Cornelius was 
at prayer, an angel appeared to him, and bade him send 
to Joppe for a man named Peter, who would tell him 
what to do. Cornelius sent at once. 

3. About the time the messengers drew near to Joppe, 
Peter was praying ; he also had a vision : 

The heavens appeared to him to open, and, as it were, 
a great sheet was let down, in which were all manner of 

Questions to Chapteb 106.— What is said of Saul ? What happened to him 
on the road to Damascus ? Who baptized Saul ? How did Saul act after his 
baptism ? What prophecy is fulfilled in Saul ? 



244 HISTOKY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 

four-footed beasts, and creeping things, and birds ; a voice 
said to him : *^^ Arise, kill, and eat." 

4. Now it was not allowed the Jews to eat all manner 
of beasts ; so Peter answered he could not, as he had 
never eaten any thing unclean. But the voice said to 
him, '^ Call not that common that God has purified." 
This was done three times, when the vision disappeared. 

5. While Peter was reflecting on the meaning of the 
vision, the Spirit of God said to him: ^' Three men seek 
you ; rise and go with them." 

On the next day, Peter went with the messengers. 
When Cornelius related the vision he had had, Peter 
understood his own. By it, Peter understood that here- 
after there was to be no distinction between Jew and 
Gentile in the Christian Church, and that Christ had died 
for all mankind. 

6. Then Peter began to speak of Jesus : how He had 
been crucified, and how He had risen again from the 
dead, and that, through Him, was man to be saved. 
While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Ghost came 
upon the Gentiles who were present, and, to the aston- 
ishment of the Apostle, they began to speak in divers 
tongues. When Peter saw this, he commanded them to 
be baptized. These were the first Gentiles received into 
the Church. 

7. From this time, the Apostles turned their attention 
to the Gentile as well as the Jew. Paul became especially 
the Apostle of the Gentile. At Antioch the converts 
were first called Christians — that is, followers of Christ. 

8. Jesus died for all ; and as Joseph, during the seven years 
famine, fed not only the Egyptian, but also the Israelite and the 
stranger, so must the Jew and the Gentile share in the merits of 
Jesus Ciirist. The Jews formed but a small part of mankind, and, 
at best, never were very docile ; hence, the Christian Church, from 
the beginning, was formed principally from the Gentiles. 

Questions to Chapter 107— Where did Peter go ? What did he do at Lydda 
and Joppe ? Tell how Cornelius was received into the Church. Who were the 
first Gentiles received into the Church ? Who became especially the Apostle of 
the Gentiles ? Where were the Christians first known by that name ? 



PETER CAST INTO PRISON. 



245 



108. — Peter Cast into Prison. 



[a. D. 44. 



1. After the conversion of Cornelius, Peter returned to 
Jerusalem. 

About the year 44, Herod Agrippa, the king, again 
raised a persecution against the Christians. He beheaded 
James, the brother of John, and cast Peter into prison. 
But the Church prayed for her venerated head. 

2. The night before he was to have been led forth to 
punishment, Peter hi}^, bound with chains, between two 
soldiers, while guards walked before the door. 

On a sudden, an angel stood before him, and a heavenly 
light filled the prison. The angel touched Peter, and 
bade him rise 
and put on his 
sandals and 
follow^ him. 
Peter obeyed, 
not knowing 
whether or not 
it was a vision 
he saw\ They 
passed the first 
and second 
guard, and 
came to an iron 
gate that, of 
itself, opened to them, 
the angel disappeared. 

3. Peter, coming to himself, saw that God had sent an 
angel to deliver him from the power of Herod. Then he 
went to the house of Mark, where many gf the faithful 
were assembled in prayer. Rapping, a young w^oman, 
name Rode, or Rose, came to open the door. 

4. When she recognized Peter's voice, filled with joy, 
she ran back to tell those Avho were within that Peter 
was at the door. They would not believe her ; but, as 




Having passed out into the city. 



246 HISTOBY OF THE KEW TESTAMENT. 

Peter continued to rap, they at length opened the door, 
and, to their amazement, Peter walked in. When he told 
them how he had been dehvered out of prison, they all 
began to praise God. 

5. In the morning there was great consternation among 
the soldiers. No one could tell how Peter had escaped, or 
where he had gone. Herod questioned the soldiers, and 
then punished them severely. 

6. Shortly after this, Herod was receiving embassadors 
from Cesarea. The people began to applaud him, and, 
flattering him, cried out : ''You speak as a god, not as a 
man." 

Herod took the glory to himself. On the spot an angel 
struck him with a loathsome disease, and, in a few days, 
he died amid the most horrid torments— a fit example 
of the power of God and the pride of man. 



109.— St. Paurs First Apostolic [a.d.45. 
Journey. 

1. After his miraculous conversion, St. Paul was re- 
ceived with much joy among the Apostles. For some 
time he continued to teach at Antioch ; but, after a while, 
directed by the Holy Ghost, he and Barnabas were sent 
to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles. 

2. Wherever he went, Paul first preached to the Jews ; 
and only when they refused to hear him did he turn to 
the Gentiles. Many of these latter were converted, while 
the former, rejecting the grace thus offered them, were left 
without excuse. 

3. Long before, Lad tlie prophet Isaias spoken of St. Paul and 
liis labors, when lie declared that ''God would choose of the elect 
and send them to the people of the sea : He would send them into 
Africa and Lydia, into Italy and Greece, and the islands afar off, 

Questions to Chapter 108.— What did Herod raise ? Who was beheaded ? 
Who was cast into prison ? How was Peter liberated ? What happened at the 
house of Mark? What was done to the soldiers ? How did Herod die ? 



ST. Paul's first journey. 247 

that they might aunounce His glory to the Gentiles, and all flesh 
should adore." 

4. When St. Paul and Barnabas left Antiocli, they 
directed their steps to the island of Cyprus. On their 
arrival, Sergius, the Roman proconsul, sent for them, that 
he might hear the word of God. But there was at the 
proconsul's house a Jewish magician, named Elymas, who 
strove to turn Sergius from the faith. 

5. St. Paul, seeing the malice of Elymas, and also in- 
spired by the Holy Ghost, turning to him, said : ^'Because 
you have tried to pervert the ways of God, you shall be 
blind for a time." Immediately he was struck blind. 
When the proconsul saw this, he believed, and was bap- 
tized. 

6. From Cyprus, Paul and Barnabas sailed for Asia 
Minor. Arriving at Antioch, in Pisidia, they preached 
to both Jew and Gentile. Many were converted. Here 
the Jews became very much excited, and, coming together, 
contradicted Paul ; but he, turning to them, said : " It 
behooved us to preach to you first ; now you have rejected 
the word of God, and we turn to the Gentile." 

7. The Jews continued to harass and persecute Paul 
and Barnabas, until, wearied, they shook the dust from 
their feet and left the place. They passed from city to 
city, preaching and establishing churches. 

8. At Lystra, a city of Lyconia, Paul cured a man who 
had been lame from his birth. When the people saw this, 
they thought Paul and Barnabas were gods, and wished 
to offer sacrifice to them ; but Paul forbade them. Many 
believed. 

9. Soon after this, certain Jews came to Lystra from 
the cities where Paul had already been preaching. They 
succeeded in exciting an insurrection against him, and 
the multitude, rising up, stoned him, and, dragging him 
out of the city, left him for dead. Paul, however, 
recovered, and returned into the city, where he remained 
for some time. 

10. After preaching the Gospel at Derbe, Paul and 



248 



TIISTORY OF THE XEW TESTAMENT. 



Barnabas returned to Antioch, passing through the places 
where they had already preached. Everywhere they ex- 
horted the faithful to persevere, and in every church they 
appointed bishops, having first prayed and imposed hands 
upon them. 



110.— The Council of Jerusalem. [a.d. 50. 

1. During the apostolic time, several subjects of dispute 
arose. Amongst these, was, at Antioch, the subject of 
circumcision— some of the Jewish converts insisting on it, 




while Paul and Barnabas resisted it. To avoid all possi- 
bility of error, it was agreed to refer the whole matter to 
the Apostles at Jerusalem. For this purpose, Paul and 
Barnabas were sent thither. 



Questions to Chaptee 109.— What is said of Paul after his conversion ? To 
whom did he first preach ? What was done at Cyprus ? What happened to 
Elymas ? From Cyprus, where did Paul and Barnabas go ? How did the Jews 
act ? What was done at Lystra ? What was done to Paul ? Who were appointed 
in the churches ? 



THE SECOXD VOYAGE OF ST. PAUL. 249 

2. When they arrived, the Apostles and the ancients 
assembled, under the presidency of Peter, to deliberate 
on the subject. After the matter had been well discussed, 
Peter rose and said: ^^As God had made no difference 
between the Jew or the Gentile, giving the Holy Ghost to 
the oi]e as well as to the other, there should be no differ- 
ence within the Chnrch ; nor should the law of circum- 
cision be imposed on any one.'' 

3. Under this teaching, it was decided that the ancient 
ceremonial laws of Moses had lost their effect, and, for 
the future, should not be imposed upon the Christians. 

The council wrote to the faithful at Antioch, saying : 
" It hath seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, not 
to lay this burden upon you." 

4. When the bishops of the Catholic Church, who are 
the legitimate successors of the Apostles, assemble under 
the presidency of the Pope, who is the true successor of 
Peter, we have a general council similar to that held at 
Jerusalem under the Apostles. Its decisions are infallible, 
for they are the decisions of God's Church, which, accord- 
ing to the teachings of Jesus Christ, is, in an invisible 
manner, guided and preserved from error by and through 
the Holy Ghost. 



111.— The Second Voyage of St. Paul. 

1. Some time after this, St. Paul started on a second 
missionary journey. He passed through Syria, and again 
went into Asia Minor, preaching everywhere, visiting the 
old, and establishing new churches. 

At Troas he had a vision, in which he was called to 
Macedonia. Immediately he set sail, accompanied by 
Silas, Luke, and Timothy. They passed over from Asia, 
and arrived safely at Philippi, the capital of Macedonia. 

Questions to Chapter 110.— On what was there dispute? What was done 
on the matter ? What did Peter say ? What conclusion did the council come to ? 
What is said of the Catholic Church ? 



250 



HISTOKY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



2. Here the Apostle stayed with a merchant, named 
Lydia, one of the new converts. There was also in the 
city a girl possessed by a divining spirit. She brought 
much gain to her masters. Paul, taking her, drove out 
the evil spirit. 

3. When her masters saw their hopes of gain gone, they 
became very much displeased, and, seizing Paul and Silas, 
cast them into prison, having first beaten them with 
rods. About the middle of the night, while Paul and 
Silas were praying, suddenly there came a gTeat earth- 




quake and shook the jail to its foundations. All the 
doors were opened, and the bonds of the prisoners were 
loosened. 

4. When the jailer awoke and found the doors of the 
.prison open, he took his sword and was about to kill him- 
self, thinking the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried 
out they were there. The jailer, trembling, entered with 
a light, and falling down at the feet of Paul, asked what 
he must do to be saved. Paul bade him believe in the 
Lord Jesus ; and, having instructed him, that same night 
baptized him and all his family. 



THE SECOND VOYAGE OF ST. PAUL. 251 

5. In the morning the magistrates, hearing that Paul 
and Silas were Roman citizens, sent to beg their pardon 
for having scourged them, for it was unlawful to scourge 
a Roman citizen. They then set them at liberty. 

6. Paul established a small church at Philippi ; thence 
he passed to Thessilonica, and, afterwards, to Berea and 
several other cities, establishing churches and preaching 
the Word. At last he came to Athens, the capital of 
Greece. 

7. Seeing how the city was given up to idolatry, his 
zeal was roused, and he began to preach in the market- 
place. He was taken before the Areopagus, where the 
philosophers and leading men of the city were assembled, 
and was asked to state the nature of the doctrines he 
taught. 

8. Paul rose and addressed the vast multitude, saying : 
^^ Athenians, in passing through your city, I found an 
altar, on which was written : ' To the unknown God : ' 
what you here worship without knowing it, I preach.^' 
He then gave a long and detailed account of the nature 
of God and the character of the Christian religion, con- 
cluding with the resurrection of the dead. 

9. When they heard of the resurrection of the dead, 
some mocked, but others said they would hear him again. 
A few joined him ; amongst whom was one named Dio- 
nysius, a member of the Areopagus. 

10. From Athens Paul went to Corinth. He first 
preached to the Jews ; but they contradicting, and re- 
fusing to listen to him, he said to them : " Your blood 
be upon your own heads ; I am clean.'' 

He then preached to the Corinthians, and soon had the 
satisfaction of seeing many converted. After a year and 
a half spent at Corinth, Paul passed over to Asia, and, 
returning by Ephesus, came to Antioch. 

11. The Church grew with astonishing rapidity; her influence 
was felt everywhere. The little cloud, no bigger than a man's 
hand, had begun to grow, and now covered nearly the face of the 
heavens. The earth was about to receive the genial rain. Christ 



262 HISTORY OF THE XEW TESTAMEXT. 

came to call the Jews, but they threw away their vocation with the 
same indifference that Esau had sold his birthright for a mess of 
pottage. 



112.— St. Paul's Third Voyage. 

1. Soon after his return from his second Yoyage^ St. 
Panl started on a third missionary tour. Again he passed 
through Asia Minor, and finally came to Ephesus, at that 
time the capital of the Roman possessions in Asia. Here 
he baptized twelve men who formerly had received the 
baptism of John, and, hiying hands upon them, they 
received the Holy Ghost. 

2. For two years Paul remained at Ephesus. Through 
his teaching, most of the inhabitants of that part of Asia 
learned the doctrines of Christianity. Paul wrought 
many miracles, and his power became so great, that the 
simple touch of the handkerchiefs that had touched his 
body was sufficient to cure the sick. Fear came upon 
those wiio saw these things, and man}^ came, confessing 
their sins. 

3. While St. Paul was at Ephesus, there arose a violent 
persecution against him. There was in the place a grand 
temple, dedicated to the goddess Diana. The silversmiths 
made small miniature temples, which they sold at con- 
siderable gain. When, by the conversion of the inhab- 
itants, they saw their trade gone, headed by one Demetrius, 
they rose up against Paul, and only with much difficulty 
could the magistrates save him from their hands. 

4. When the tumult had subsided, Paul, having exhorted 
the disciples to persevere, passed over to Macedonia, and 
afterwards to Greece. From thence he returned to Asia, 
and came to Troas, where he stayed a week. On Sunday, 

Questions to Chapter 111.— What is said of Paul's second voyage? Where 
was he called to ijo ? Into what trouble did Paul and Silas get ? What is said of 
their imprisonment? How did they get out of jail? From Philippi, where did 
Paul go? What did he do al Athens ? Who joined him? How long did Paul 
stay at Corinth ? 



THE IMPRISONMENT AND DEATH OF ST. PAUL. 253 

the faithful assembled in a large hall to celebrate the 
divine mysteries. While St. Paul was preaching, a young 
man, who had been sleeping, fell from one of the windows, 
and was killed. Paul raised him to life. 

5. From Troas, Paul went to the islands of Lesbos and 
Chios, and thence to Samos and Miletus. At this latter 
place, he sent for the chief men of the church at Ephesus, 
and spoke to them words of affectionate adieu : ^^ I go/' 
said he, ^^to Jerusalem, but I know not what shall befall 
me. Only this I know : that the Holy Ghost has warned 
me that chains and afHictions await me. But I fear not 
these things, only that I fulfill my mission. I know you 
shall see my face no more ; therefore take heed to your- 
selves, and to the flock over which the Holy Ghost has 
placed you. 

6. ^^ After my departure there shall rise up men speak- 
ing perverse things. Watch, therefore, remembering 
that, for three years, I ceased not, night nor day, to 
admonish every one of you. And now I commend you 
to God, who is able to give you an inheritance amongst 
His saints." 

7. When he had said this, he knelt down and prayed 
with them. All began to weep, and, falling upon his 
neck, kissed him. They grieved particularly because he 
had said -they w^ould see him no more. Leading him to 
the ship, they bade him an affectionate farewell. 



113.— The Imprisonment and Death [a.d.67 
of St. Paul. 

1. The conversion of St. Paul had, from the beginning, 
been a sore blow to the Jews. His zeal for Christianity, 
and his great success in making converts, only increased 

Questions to Chapter 112.— Where did Paul go on his third voyage ? What 
did he do at Ephesus ? What wonders did Paul do at Ephesus ? What caused 
the persecution against Paul at Ephesus *? What happened at Troas ? What was 
done at Miletus ? 



254 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



their hatred ; hence, on his return to Jerusalem, they 
excited so great a tumult against him that, in order to 
save him from violence, it became necessary for the Eoman 
governor to cast him into prison, and finally to send him 
to Felix, the governor of Cesarea. 

2. Paul remained two years a prisoner at Cesarea, when 
he appealed to the emperor at Rome. On the voyage the 
ship was wrecked at the Island of Malta, and Paul was 
saved only by a miracle. 




3. After two years of easy captivity spent at Rome Paul 
was set at liberty. Again he visited the scenes of his 
former labors, preaching anew the word of God, and 
confirming the converts in their faith. 

About the year 67, St. Paul again returned to Rome. 
Shortly after, Nero, the emperor, raised a cruel persecu- 
tion against the Christians ; St. Paul was seized upon and 
cast into prison, and, a few days after, beheaded. 



Questions to Chapter llS.—V/hy was Paul sent to Cesarea? On the voyage 
to Rome, what happened to St. Paul ? How did St. Paul die ? When ? 



THE OTHER APOSTLES. 



255 



114. — The other Apostles. 

1. While St. Paul was preacliing in Asia and Europe, 
the other A];)Ostles were not idle. Everywhere they 
preached the Gospel and established churches, appointing 
bishops to guide the faithful and transmit the doctrines 
they had received. Some went to Persia, others to Arabia, 
while some went even to the distant India. By the end 
of the first century, there was no country then known 
that had not heard of Christ. 




2. During this time, some of the Apostles, and two of 
their disciples, under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, 
wrote short histories of our Savior's life. St. Paul and 
some of the other Apostles also wrote letters, or, as they 
are better known, ^^ Epistles," of instruction, either to 
churches they had themselves established, or to others 
that asked them for advice. By degrees, these writings 



256 HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 

were gathered together, and became known under the 
general name of the Neio Testament. 

3. After preaching at Jerusalem, for a while St. Peter 
chose Antioch as the center of his apostolic labors. At a 
later period he established his see at Kome, where to-day 
his successors reside, and from whence they rule the 
Church of God. At the same place, and on the same day 
that St. Paul was beheaded, St. Peter was crucified with 
his head down. All the other Apostles, John excepted, 
also shed their blood in proof of their faith in Jesus 
Christ. 

4. After our Savior's death, St. John took the Blessed 
Virgin to himself, and, by his tender love, partly recom- 
pensed for the loss of her divine Son. After her death, 
John was seized upon and cast into a caldron of boiling 
oil. Saved by a miracle, he was banished to the island of 
Patmos, where he wrote his prophetic Eevelations. After 
his release, he dwelt in Ephesus. Here he wTote his 
Gospel, and for many years preached but one sermon : 
" My children, love one another. ^^ 

About the year 100, he died — alone of all the Apostles — 
a natural death. 

5. Under the Old Law, Jerusalem was the center of the 
Jewish religion ; under the Christian dispensation, Rome 
is the center of Catholicity, and the Pope is the head 
of the Christian Church. 



1 1 5. — Conclusion. 

1. In this short and exceedingly condensed history, it 
will be seen how God, for four thousand years, strove to 



Questions to Chapter 114.— What is said of the other Apostles ? What did 
some of the Apostles write ? What did St. Paul write ? Under what name are 
these writinj^s known ? \Vhere did Peter establish his see ? How did Peter die? 
How did the other Apostles die? What is said of St. John? What is eaid of 
RoQ^.e and Jerusalem ? 



CONCLUSION. 257 

prepare mankind for the coming of Jesns Christ . at one 
time by revelations made directly by himself ; at another, 
by the prophets, whom, from time to time, He sent to 
enlighten the world. 

2. When Jesus Christ did come, He showed how the 
revelations made concerning Him, were verified in Him- 
self, and also proved His divinity by His miracles. He 
then preached and established His Church, choosing His 
Apostles to be witnesses both of His words and His works. 
In time, He died, rose again, and, ascending into heaven, 
the work of Kedemption was accomplished. 

3. The first Apostles, wiiom Christ chose to announce 
His doctrines to the world, have also passed away, but the 
work of Jesus Christ, the Holy Catholic Church, remains, 
and will remain to the end. 

4. She is founded upon truth ; her voice is the voice of 
truth ; hence, she is as imperishable as truth itself. The 
cement that binds together the parts of this grand old 
edifice is none other than the blood of Jesus Christ ; also 
the blood of His Apostles and martyrs, who have so 
generously and freely sacrificed their lives in proof of the 
doctrines they so fearlessly preached, and which were 
once delivered to them by their divine Master, Jesus 
Christ. 

5. Let the storms of human passion rage as they may 
against this Church; let the violence of human power 
spend itself for her ruin ; let the poison of heresy and the 
malice of blasphemy conspire against her, yet this Church 
shall never ie shaken nor destroyed. 

G. Let us then rejoice that we belong to the Catholic 
Church ; let us only remain faithful to the end ; let us 
keep the commandments, and, enlightened, purified, and 
strengthened by the graces which the Church alone can 
give, we need have no fear ; one day we must, we infallibly 
will, pass from God's kingdom upon earth to God's king- 
dom in heaven, where, with the angels, we w^ill for endless 
ages rejoice in an ocean of bliss ; where, in the heavenly 



258 



HISTORY OF THE KEW TESTAMENT. 



Jerusalem, with the saints of the Old, as well as with the 
saints of the New Law, we shall forever bless and adore 
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. 



Questions to Chapter 115. —What is said in this last chapter? When 
Christ came, what did He do ? Who have passed away ? What work of Christ 
still remains ? What is said of the Church ? 



END OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 








%morr}i3.. /y^ M \ 




MAP OF PALESTINE. 



Church History. 



FIRST PERIOD. 

FROM THE BIRTH OF CHRIST 
TO THE FALL OF ROME. 

^ <0> 



1.— The Beginning of the Church. 

1. Four thousand years before the coming of Christ, 
Adam was created. With the birth of Christ begins the 
Christian era. Under the reign of Augustus, Emperor 
of Rome, Christ was born, and at the age of thirty years 
began to preach in Jerusalem and Judea. 

2. At the end of three years He was seized upon and 
put to death, but after three days^ rose again, and for 
forty days appeared to His Apostles and other devout men 
and women. He then ascended into heaven, and in ten 
days after, the Holy Ghost came upon the Apostles and 
they began to preach the gospel. 

3. When it was noised abroad through Jerusalem that 
the Holy Ghost had visibly appeared upon the Apostles, 
great multitudes came together, when Peter, rising up, 
began to preach. The multitude were amazed, for each 
one heard him and the other Apostles speaking in his 
o^^n tongue : Jews and Gentiles, Medes and Persians, and 
citizens from Egypt and Arabia. At this first sermon 
three thousand were converted, and at the second five 
thousand. 

4. To the gift of tongues was also added the gift of 
miracles. The sick were cured, the lame walked, and the 



262 CHURCH HISTORY. 

Church grew apace. In a short time Jerusalem was in 
great commotion. The Apostles spread themselves every- 
where, passing from town to village, and from country to 
country. 

5. At first Peter confined himself to preaching to the ] 
Jews, passing through Judea and Samaria, then into Asia 
Minor, where for eight years he resided at Antioch. After 
this he passed over to Eome, where he fixed his See, and 
for twenty-five years, as Bishop of Eome, governed the 
whole Church. The Popes being the successors of Peter 
are also called Bishops of Eome, where, with but short 
interruptions, they have always resided. 



2.— The Apostles. 

1. At fii'st the other Apostles preached in Jerusalem 
and in the villages throughout Judea, but soon they also 
passed to other lands, visiting Arabia and Persia. Every- 
where great numbers were converted ; churches estab- 
lished ; priests and bishops ordained ; miracles and the 
gift of tongues proving the divinity of their mission. 

2. The Greater and Lesser James confined themselves 
to Jerusalem, the latter becoming the bishop thereof. 
Bartholomew went to Persia, Thomas to India ; Philip 
preached in Phrygia, Andrew in Achaia, whilst Matthew 
spent himself for the Parthians and Ethiopians. Jude 
died in Armenia, Simon in Persia, and Matthias, who was 
chosen to fill the place of Judas, was beheaded at Colchis. 

3. For a time John preached in Judea and Samaria, 
but at length went also to Eome, where he was seized upon 
and banished to Patmos, an island in the Egean Sea. 
Here he was favored with the revelations which he has 
recorded in the Apocalypse. After the death of Domitian 
he was released and went to Ephesus, where he wrote his 
Gospel and for many years preached charity to his people. 
He died at the age of ninety-one years, the last of the 
Apostles and the only one who died a natural death. 



THE APOSTLES, 



263 



4. At first St. Paul was a fiery persecutor of the Church, 
assisting and consenting to the stoning of St. Stephen, 
the first martyr, Not content with persecuting the 
Christians at Jerusalem, he obtained letters from the 
High Priest and went to Damascus, there to persecute 
the Church. On the way, Jesus appeared to him. Fall- 
ing from his horse, he was lifted up blind and led into the 
city, where he was baptized by Ananias and at once 
becam? a most zealous Apostle. 




ST. PETER AND J«T. PAUL IK PRISON. 



5. After he had preached at Damascus, St. Paul went 
to Gralicia and Greece, stopping at Athens and Corinth. 
From thence he passed into Asia Minor and Judea, and 
going up to Jerusalem, he met Peter "and other Apostles, 
with whom he conferred on matters concerning the future 
of the Church. 

6. Whilst preaching in Judea he was frequently cast into 
prison, scourged, and his life threatened. After many years 
he was sent a prisoner to Rome, where he met St. Peter, who 
had long dwelt there. For two years he was allowed the 
freedom of "the city, preaching openly and converting many. 



264: 



CHURCH HISTORY. 



7. During the persecution of Nero, he was seized upon, 
and with St. Peter, cast into prison, where he remained 
for nearly nine months. While there, he converted the 
jailer and a number of the prisoners. At the prayer of 

Peter a fountain of 
water burst forth 
in the floor of the 
prison, and they 
were baptized. 

8. In the year 67 
they were both con- 
demned to death 
and on the 29th of 
June St. Paul was 
beheaded en the 
Ostian way. Just 
outside the walls 
of Rome ; while St. 
Peter was crucified 
on Mount Janicu- 
lum within the 
walls. Both places 
are yet shown and 
constantly visited 
by pious pilgrims. 
The bodies of these 
two great saints arc 
buried in Rome, 

CRUCIFIXION OF ST. PETER. thC OUC iU St. 

Peter's church, the other in the church of St. Paul. 




3. — The Spread of Christianity. 

1. The conversion of the world to Christianity is the 
most wonderful event in history. Conquerors, such as 
Alexander and Cccsar, haA e subdued nations; after cen- 
turies of toil an(] sacrifice Greece and Rome gi^ew into 



THE SPREAD OF CHRISTIAXITY. 266 

power, but nothing in history is like to the work of the 
Apostles. 

2. Here were tw^elve uneducated men, without money 
or influence, from a nation despised, preaching a doc- 
trine hated, yet in the face of every opposition, nay even 
death, tliey converted the world. To Jews and Gentiles, 
Medes and Persians, Greeks and Komans, Arabians and 
Ethiopians, even to the far distant India Avas the Gospel 
preached ere the death of Saints Peter and Paul in the 
year 67, just thirty-four years after the death of Christ. 

3. Not only had the Gospel been thus preached to the 
whole world, and the Church organized, congregations 
formed, bishops and priests ordained, but the whole of the 
Scriptures were written with the exception of the Gospel 
of St. John, which was written later on in the year 94. 

4. The New Testament is divided into Gospels and 
Epistles, Acts and Revelations. The Gospels were written 
by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John ; the Epistles by 
Peter and Paul, James and Jude ; the Acts by St. Luke, 
and the Revelations by St. John. These, with the Old 
Testament, form the Bible — a sacred code of laws to guide 
and instruct mankind. 

5. The fervor of the first Christians was as remarkable 
as was their conversion. They had but one heart and one 
soul. They held their goods in common, each giving 
what he had for the good of all. Prayer and the breaking 
of bread was their constant occupation ; humility and 
chastity the virtues that distinguished them ; and so kind 
to each other were they that the Pagans in wonder used 
to cry out, '^See, how they love one. another. " 

6. Not only did the Apostles preach the Gospel and 
establish the Church, but under the inspiration of the 
Holy Ghost they determined the forms for the adminis- 
tration of the Sacraments and the celebration of the 
Mass. Their work was not of man but of God ; hence, 
must last forever. As Christ is unchangeable, so are His 
doctrines unchangeable. Man may change, but God and 
His works change not. 



266 CHURCH HISTOllY. 



4. — The Persecutions of the Church.— Jews. 

1. With the spread of Christianity rose enmities and 
hatreds amongst both Jews and Gentiles. As the Jews 
had persecuted Christ, so they also persecuted His Apos- 
tles, and were the first to rise up against Christianity. 
They scourged Saints Peter and John ; stoned St. Stephen ; 
cast St. James headlong from the roof of the temple and 
beat out his brains with a fuller's mallet. 

2. They also seized upon the Christians w^herever they 
were found, scourged them and threw them into prison : 
others they banished, some they put to death. The 
Christians, seeing this, fled, thus spreading the doctrines 
of Christ and adding to the fold by the virtues they 
practiced. Whereyer the Jews were in power, there the 
followers of Christ suffered. 

3. Elsewhere the other Apostles were equally mal- 
treated. St. Bartholomew was skinned alive; St. Mat- 
thew died in Parthia, Andrew in Achia ; St. Philip was 
martyred in Phrygia, Thomas in India ; St. Jude gave up 
his life in Armenia, and Simon shed his blood for the 
conversion of Persia. While at "Rome, St. John w^as cast 
into a caldron of boiling oil, but by a miracle came forth 
unhurt. Every one of the Apostles, St. John alone 
excepted, as before mentioned, died by violence, giving 
their lives for their faith. 

4. For a time God permitted these persecutions, but 
in time their punishment came ; first on tlic Jews, then 
upon the Eomans. In the year 69 the Jews revolted 
against Rome, when Titus, the Roman general, collected 
an army and besieged Jerusalem, surrounding the city 
w^ith vast fortifications. 

5. Soon famine, then pestilence set in. The city was 
torn by factions from within, while the Romans battered 
down the walls from without. Neither young nor old 
were spared ; Jerusalem was doomed. The prophecy of 
Christ v;as about to be fulfilled, Forewarned, the Chris- 



ROMAX PERSECUTIOXS. '^(37 

tians had fled. Within one year, more than one million 
Jews died from pestilence, or were killed by the Romans. 
The city was taken, the Temple burned, the people sold 
into slavery, and thus dispersed over the world as we now 
find them, without country or king. Truly the blood 
of Christ is upon them. 



5. — Roman Persecutions. 

1. During the first three hundred years of the Chris- 
tian era there were ten general persecutions raised against 
the Church by the Eoman emperors, besides many local 
persecutions by governors and city magistrates. The 
first general persecution was raised by Nero (66). He 
had burned the city of Rome, and seeing the anger of 
the people, accused the Christians, who m the moment 
of passion were seized upon, cast into prison or put to 
death. 

2. Many were exposed to wild beasts, others thrown into 
the Tiber. Some were beheaded ; some were crucified ; 
others rolled up in pitch, and at night burned to light up 
the public gardens. Old men and tender w^omen, even 
boys and girls gave up their lives for Christ. 

3. Nine other emperors proclaimed persecutions through- 
out the empire. Amongst these the persecutions under 
Domitian (93), Severus (202), Maximin (235), and Dio- 
cletian (303), were the most severe. During these three 
hundred years Rome looked more like a slaughter-house 
than a place Avhere men might dwell. From every 
province of the empire Cliristians were dragged to Rome 
to be torn to pieces in the amphitheatre, or burned at the 
stake for the amusement of the iieople. This was the 
age of martyrs. 

4. During this period the catacombs w^ere dug, and in 
them the Christians hid, buried their dead and held their 
religious services. In them are found to-day the bodies 



268 



CHURCH HISTORY. 



of the martyrs, with the symbols of faith on their tombs- 
pictures, altars, chalices, inscriptions, teaching every arti- 
cle of Catholic faith, showing beyond a doubt the identity 
of the Catholic religion of to-day with the rehgion of ^ 
Christians iu the first ages of the Church. 




3IARTrKD0:ii OF ST. IGNATIUS. 



5. During these persecutions, Sts. Ignatius and Polycarp 
were put to death, and Felicitas and Perpetua torn by 
v/ild beasts ; St. Agnes beheaded ; St. Lawrence roasted 
on a gridiron, and St. Cecilia condemned to be suffocated 
in the bath. All that human cruelty could devise was 
tried; but the Christians remained firm, adding daily to 
their numbers by the virtues of their lives and the con- 
stancy of their faith. So wide spread and so deeply 
rooted did Christianity become, that in the year 320 
Constantine the Great declared himself a Christian, and 
persecutions ceased. Christ had triumphed, the world 
was converted. 



nERESiES. 269 



6. — Heresies. 



1. With the spread of Christianity rose heresy. In the 
time of the Apostles the Jewish converts sought to unite 
the ceremonial law of Moses with the new law of Christ. 
Against this St. Paul preached. At the Council of Jeru- 
salem (51), St. Peter presiding, it w^as resolved not to 
impose the observance of the Mosaic law upon the Chris- 
tian Church. 

2. After this came Simon Magus, who, seeing the 
Apostles worknig miracles, offered them money if they 
would give him like power ; failing, he rose up against 
the Church, and going to Rome, published that, like 
Christ, he would ascend into heaven. On the appointed 
day, in the presence of a great multitude, by the power of 
the devil, he rose in the air ; but, at the prayer of Peter, 
he fell, and was killed. After him came the Ebionites and 
Cerinthians, who are spoken of by St. John, and against 
whom he wrote his Gospel, to prove the divinity of Christ 
w^hich they denied. 

3. In the second and third centuries rose the Gnostics, 
who taught that the world was eternal ; then the Mani- 
cheans, who held that there were two eternal principles, 
one good, the other bad ; also the Sabellians, who denied 
that there are three persons in God. Against these the 
principal Christian writers were Ireneus and TertuUian, 
Cyprian and Origen. 

4. In the year 319 Arius, a priest of Constantinople, 
attacked the divinity of Christ, teaching that the Son was 
not equal to the Father. At the Council of Nice (325) he 
was condemned, and refusing to retract, was banished. 
Ten years after (336), returning to Constantinople, he 
attempted to force himself into the Church, but the hand 
of God came upon him and he died, his blood gushing out 
of his mouth and his bowels bursting forth. 

5. In the year 430 Nestorius, Bishop of Constantinople, 
began to preach that the Blessed Virgin was not the 



270 



CHURCH HISTORY. 



Motlier of God, but only the Mother of Christ, contrary 
to the true faith that teaches there is but one person in 
Christ, and that consequently the Blessed Virgin is the 
Mother of God. Nestorius was condemned at the Coun- 
cil of Ephesu3 (431), then banished. He died in 439, 
HIS TOi^GUE RorTi:N^G i:n^ his mouth. 



7. — Heresies. Concluded. 

1. In combating the errors of Nestorius, Eutyches, a 
monk of Constantinople, fell into another error. Nestorius 
had taught there were two persons in Christ ; Eutyches 
taught there was but one nature in Christ, while the true 
doctrine is that there are two natures in Christ, one 




ST. AUGUSTINE, BISHOP OF. HIPPO. 



human, the other divine. This heresy was condemned, 
first at the Council of Chalcedon (451), and again at the 
Council of Constantinople, held in the year 553. 

2. After Eutyches came Pelagius (417), who taught 
many grave errors on the subjects of Grace and Original 



FALL OF THE ROM AK EMPIEE.. 271 

Sin. Against this latter heresy God raised up the great 
St. Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, in Africa, whose writings 
remain a monument for all ages. Around him are clus- 
tered the names of Saints Athanasius, who wrote against 
Arius, and Jerome, Basil, and Gregory, which are a 
tower of strength in the cause of Christianity. 

3. The above heresies, together with the later heresy 
against the Holy Ghost, in which it was taught that the 
Holy Ghost did not proceed from the Father and the Son, 
but from the Father only, constitute the great heresies of 
the Church down to the time of the Protestant Eeforma- 
tion, when Luther and Calvin revived the old Pelagian 
heresies on Grace and Justification and added several of 
their own. 

4. This heresy on the Holy Ghost is held by the present 
schismatic Greek Church, now spread through Eussia and 
Turkey. The Nestorian and Eutychian heresies still 
survive in some parts of Asia and Persia. 



8.— Fall of the Roman Empire. 

1. With the conversion of Constantine, Eome seemed 
for a short time to have received a new lease of life, but 
this was not to be. Eome had sinned too deeply. For 
three hundred years she had persecuted the Church ; the 
blood of the mart}Ts was on her head ; she must fall. 
The decree had long before gone forth, and by the. mouth 
of his prophets God had foretold what he would do. 
Pagan Eome must fall and Christian Eome take her 
place. 

2. Conquest had made Eome rich, and with wealth had 
come corruption and weakness. Society was divided into 
two classes, master and slave. Owing to war and con- 
quest the latter was far more numerous than the former. 
Besides, the exactions of Eome had made the provinces 
very discontent. Everywhere tliere were murmurings and 
signs of the coming storm. The people were oppressed. 



272 CHUKCfl HISTOKY. 

the sla\^es ready for revolt ; the provinces growing in 
power ; there was but needed a spark to fire the volcano 
on which Rome rested. The occasion came towards the 
latter part of the fourth century. 

3. In the year 361 Julian, surnamed the Apostate, 
mounted the throne of the Caesars. At first he pretended 
to be a Christian, but in a short time, threw off the mask, 
and attempted to restore the Pagan religion. This seems 
to have been the last drop ; the cup was full ; God's 
patience was exhausted ; the time was come, and God sent 
forth His hosts to destroy this proud and sinful Mistress 
that for twelve hundred years had ruled the world. 

4. To falsify the words of Christ, ^^that the Temple of 
Jerusalem should be destroj^ed," Julian undertook to 
rebuild it. He called together the Jews and began to 
clear away the ruins. When the last stone of the original 
foundation had been removed, and the workmen were 
about to begin the foundations for the new temple, balls 
of fire burst forth from the earth, so that the work had 
to be abandoned. Thus the very prophecy, " that not a 
stone should be left upon a stone of that grand building," 
which he had attempted to falsify, was by him literally 
fulfilled. 

5. In a war with the Persians Julian was killed, crying 
out, '^ Nazarean, thou hast conquered." He had 
attempted to war against God, but, as ever must be, 
failed. 



9. — Rome Destroyed. 

1. In the beginning of the fifth century, vast hordes of 
barbarians began to descend from the north of Europe, 
and to sweep over the fairest provinces of the Roman 
Empire. Wherever they came they left ruin and deso- 
lation behind. 

2. First came the Visigoths, in the year 410, led by the 
warlike Alaric. He swept through France, invaded Italy, 



ROME DEBTROYED. 



273 



and took Eome, giving up the city to pillage and killing 
many of the inhabitants. 

3. In the year 453 Attila, King of the HuuS;, swept 
through Europe, desolating France, and crossing over to 
Italy, appeared before Rome. At the prayer of St. Leo, 
then Pope, the city was spared, and Attila withdrew his 
army. Three years after (456), Genseric, King of the 
Vandals, took Rome and pillaged it. Still later the Goths, 
under Totila, again took Rome and pillaged it. 




--=-=-_^^^r^c?^ 



POPE LEO THE GREAT AND ATTILA. 



4. After ravaging Italy, the Vandals crossed over to 
Africa, and seizing upon Carthage, made it their capital. 
The Visigoths settled principally in the south of France 
and Spain, while the Goths spread over some of the fairest 
portions of Europe. 

5. The Saxons invaded Britain, while the Franks over- 
ran the greater part of France, ultimately giving their 
name to the country. Such was the condition of things 
when Odoacer, King of the Heruli, in the year 476, took 
Rome, and making himself master of the country, pro- 



274 CHCRCH HISTOIIY. 

claimed himself King of Italy. With him ended the 
Roman Empire that for twelve hundred years had been a 
power and a terror to the nations of the earth, and for 
much of the time had ruled the world. 

6. While Rome was virtuous, she was strong ; but when 
luxury and pride crept in she grew weak, and by her cor- 
ruptions fell with none to mourn her. Had she retained 
her virtue, had she not yielded to the corruptions of 
wealth, had she received Christ and not imbrued her 
hands in the blood of His Saints, she had not fallen as she 
did a scoff and a by-word to the nations of the earth. 
Like proud Babylon she rose up against God and trusted 
in her own strength. For a time, man may turn his back 
upon God, but in the end God will assert His power. 



10. — Christian Apologists. 

1. Coeval with the rise of Christianity rose a contest 
with Paganism. In the light of Christian truth the shal- 
lowness and falsehood of Pagan philosophy was easily seen. 
The worship of false gods was wide-spread and deeply 
rooted, while the knowledge of the true God was known 
only to the Jews, a race despised and of little power or 
influence. Everywhere irreligion prevailed. 

2. Because the Christians could not, and would not 
accept these gods, and so refused to worship them, they 
were declared enemies to the state and offenders against the 
religion of the gods. They w^ere accused of sacrilege ; of 
adoring an ass's head ; of atheism and immorality ; of 
disloyalty to the secular powers and a divided allegiance ; 
and, lastly, of eating a child at their religious feasts. 

3. To combat these errors and false accusations — so 
similar to those of our own times — God raised up men of 
great learning, who not only refuted these errors and the 
heresies that rose among Christians themselves, but tri- 
umphantly vindicated the truth of Christianity, proving 



CHRISTIAN xVPOLOGISTS. 275 

that Christ was the Messiah, and his religion but the 
fuliillment of the prophecies made by Moses and the 
prophets. 

4. The most distinguished of these early writers — or as 
they are called. Apologists, Fathers, Doctors — were Justin, 
martyr, Clement of Alexandria and Origen among the 
Greeks ; TertuUian and Cyprian among the Latins. 

5. Justin (167) wrote two Apologies, or rather defenses 
of Christianity, one to the Emperor Antoninus Pius, the 
second to Marcus Aurelius. For this latter he was put to 
death, and so won his martyr's crown. 

6. Origen, the most illustrious of Clement's scholars, 
wrote (253) a triumphant vindication of Christianity in 
refutation of the false charges made against it by Celsus, 
a most learned and subtle Greek philosopher, while Ter- 
tuUian (204), a priest of Carthage, wrote not only a com- 
plete refutation of the charges made by the Pagans against 
Christianity, but proved most triumphantly in his im- 
mortal work, De Principiis, the divinity and perpetuity 
of the Catholic Church. 

7. The writings of these men will ever remain as 
monuments of Christian faith, and full and complete 
refutations of the falsehoods and weaknesses of Pagan 
philosophy. They fully cover the controversy between 
Paganism and Christianity, and are the store-liouse from 
which all future writers on Paganism have drawn. 



11.— The Doctors and Fathers of the Church. 

1. Besides the Apologists, who devoted themselves to the 
defense of Christianity, its divinity and perfection, and 
the refutation of Paganism, God also raised up, in the 
subsequent ages of the Church, men of great learning and 
deep thought to refute the heresies that from time to time 
arose to disturb Christian societv. 



276 



CHURCH HISTORY. 



F Jh ^^','^f«V,f «t>"g^"^hed among these Doctors and 
Fathers of the Clmrch were Athanasius and Chrvsostom 
Basil and Gregory Nazianzen in the Ea.t; Jerome Am 
brose, and Augustine in the West. ' 




ST. ATH.iNASIUS BANISHED Pr.OM ALEXANLIJ.IA. 

3. Athanasius distinguished liimself at the Council of 
Wice (325) by his brilliant refutation of Arianism, wh^le 
Basil (360) and Gregory labored for the general defense 
fJi' u'f\ ^*- ^'J"7«o«tom, Bishop of Constantinople 
(398), called the golden-mouthed, is considered the most 
eloquent of all the Christian orators, a worthy rival of 
Cicero and Demosthenes. 

/."u'^Tf!'' ^*^^^ immortalized himself by his translation 
0± the Bible from the original Hebrew and Greek, givino- 
lis what IS now known as tlie Fulgate, a work that will 
ever remam as a monument of erudition and correctness 
Ambrose (385), Bishop of Milan, besides his able refuta- 
tion of heresy and Jiis general defense of religion, dis- 
tinguished himself by his lieroio rebuke of the Emperor 



THE DOCTORS AND FATHERS OF THE CHURCH. 277 

Theoclosius for the wanton massacre of the inhabitants of 
Thessalonica. He is also renowned, as being the means 
in God's hands used, for the conversion of St. Augustine. 

5. St. Augustine was born in tlie year 354, and in the 
early part of his life embraced the errors of the Mani- 
cha^ans, much to the sorrow of his saintly mother, Monica. 
In 385 he was converted by the preaching of St. Ambrose, 
and in 396 became Bishop of Hi2:)po, Africa. St. Augustine 
is pre-eminently noted for his refutation of the heresies of 
Donatus (411) and Pelagius (416). 

6. Of all the great men known to Christianity, no tvvo 
have so impressed themselves upon the Church as St. 
Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas, the latter born in the 
kingdom of Naples, Italy, 1237. The former dealt with 
the entire body of revealed truth — God, the Holy Trinity; 
man, the powers of body and soul ; grace, free will, and 
our future destiny ; the latter, Avith society and govern- 
ment. St. Augustine sought to explain the dogmas of 
revelation, and to refute heresy, vfhile Sc. Thomas laid 
down the principles on which society is built, and the 
binding influence of religion upon king and people. 
Between them, the whole body of Christian dogma has 
been explained, and every form of heresy, so far known, 
refuted. ISTothing escaped them. The mo3t profound 
truths, equally with the most minute details, are to be 
found in their works. 

7. Besides the above, the Church ha3 ever had men of 
great learning and ability, distinguished in every branch 
of knowledge. In more modern times the names of 
Albertus Magnus (1254), Francis de Sales (1654), Bossuet 
(1704), and St. Liguori (1787), w411 easily be recalled, 
together with a host of others, distinguished in theology 
and philosophy, science and literature. Xo institution 
has done so much for the development of the human 
intellect as the Catholic Church ; nor can, for to her 
alone has God given the great commission *^go teach all 
nations." 



^''^ CHURCH HISTOEV, 



SECOND PERIOD. 

FROM THE FALL OF ROME TO 
THE PROTESTANT REFORMA- 
TION. 



12.— The Conversion of the Barbarians. 

1. From the death of Christ to tlie fall of the Roman 
Emioire Christianity had made great progress, both in 
Asia, Africa, and Europe. At the conversion of Con- 
stantino (312) the population of the empire apuears to 
have been about 120,000,000, of whom 30,000,000 were 
Christians, leaving, as will be seen, the Pagans largely in 
the ascendant. 

2. When the barbarians came from the North and 
swept over Europe like an avalfinche, destroying all before 
them, civilization seemed doomed, and would certainly 
have been dc3troyed but for the Church. But God had 
prepared a means of salvation, and tlie Church set herself 
to the conversion of Europe. Up to the fall of Home 
Christianity had been confined in Europe and AfricI 
principally to the shores of the Mediterranean. There 
were flourishing churches all along the north of Africa ; 
at Carthage, at Hippo, and in Egypt ; in Europe the faith' 
was wide-spread, in Greece, in Sicily, in Italy, and in the 
south of France and Spain. Elsewhere in Europe Chris- 
tianity was little known when Rome fell. 

3. The Vandals, who settled in the north of Africa 
were tainted with the Arian heresy, and long persecuted 
the Church there, as did the Visigoths in Spain. The 
Saxons destroyed almost every vestige of Christianity in 
Britain. From the same cause religion suffered every- 
wliere throughout Italy and Prance. 



THE CONVERSIO^q- OF THE BARBARIAIS'S. 



279 



4. As early as the year 241, the Franks^ a German tribe, 
inyaded France, and by degrees, seized upon the greater 
part of the country. Cloyis, their king, married Clotilda, 
a Christian, and a woman of great piety. She often spoke 
to her husband of the Christian religion, to which he 
became most kindly dis]3osed. In a battle with the Ger- 
mans (496), Clovis Yowed that if the God of Clotilda 
would give him the victory he would become a Christian. 
God gave him the victory, and Clovis, with more than 




THE BAPTISM OF CLO^^S. 



3000 of his army, were baptized by St. Eemigius, Bishop 
of Rheims, being the first Christian king of Europe. With 
Clovis the conversion of the whole French nation soon 
followed, and to the end of the last century, France re- 
mained one of the most faithful of the Catholic countries. 
5. Shortly after the conversion of the Franks, the Suevi 
(562), the Visigoths (587), and (593) the Lombards of 
northern Italy were converted to the true faith, but the 
great event of this period was the conversion of Ireland 
and England. 



280 



CHURCH HISTORY. 



13. — The Conversion of Ireland and Scotland. 

1. As early as the third century Christianity was some- 
what known in Ireland. So much so was this that^ when 
Palladius, in the year 431, came to preach Christ, he 
found many Christian communities already existing. But 
to St. Patrick is due the credit of having converted the 
island. 




ST. PATRICK. 



2. St. Patrick was born in ISTorth Britain, in the year 
387, and in youth was for seven years held a slave in 
Ireland. Escaping, he was called, in a vision, to preach 
the gospel, and going to Kome to consult the Pope, was 
commissioned by Celestine to return to Ireland, where he 
landed A. d. 432. 

3. He at once struck boldly into the country, and at 
Tara met the king and Druid priests, with whom he had 
many conferences. With the permission of the king he 



CONVERSION OF ENGLAND AND GERMANY. 281 

began to preach. Soon converts were multiplied ; churches 
and monasteries built ; bishops consecrated^ and priests 
ordained. So rapid and complete was the conversion of 
Ireland, that when St. Patrick died (492), the island was 
Christian — the only example of a whole nation converted 
to the faith without a single martyr. 

4. In the beginning of the Christian era^ Scotland was 
peopled by two tribes known as the Picts and the Scots. 
The former dwelt in the south, the latter in the north of 
the island. 

5. As early as 412, St. Ninian, a native of Britain, 
preached to the Picts, of whom many were converted. 
One hundred and fifty years after (563), St. Columba, an 
Irish missionary, accompanied with twelve companions, 
landed at lona, an island on the coast of Scotland. There 
he founded a monastery and began to preach to the Scots 
on the mainland. Converts were rapidly made ; mission- 
aries multiplied, and churches established among both 
Picts and Scots, so that at the death of St. Columba (597) 
the inhabitants of Scotland were almost entirely Christian. 

6. Since her conversion, Ireland has remained faithful 
to the Church, but at the Keformation, Scotland fell away 
from the faith and became Protestant. 



14.— Conversion of England and Germany. 

1. At what precise period Christianity was first preached 
in Britain is not positively known, but it seems quite cer- 
tain that at the end of the second century, Lucius, a 
British prince, was converted, and at his petition Pope 
Eleutherius sent two priests, Fugatius and Damianus, 
who converted many. During the persecution of Diocle- 
tian (305) quite a number were put to death, among whom 
St. Alban is honored as the first English martyr. 

2. In the second century the Saxons were a small German 
tribe, but by the fourth century had grown to be a powerful 
people. In their piratical expeditions they often invaded 



282 



CHURCH HISTORY. 



Britain, and when Eome withdrew her legions, the British 
invited the Saxons to help them repel the attacks of the 
Picts and Scots. For their reward the Saxons drove out 
the inhabitants and divided the country into seven king- 
doms, at the same time almost entirely destroying Chris- 
tianity in the island. 

3. In the year 597, Pope Gregory the Great sent Augus- 
tine, with a band of forty missionaries, to preach the 




ST. BONIFACE. 



Gospel in Britain. They were kindly received, and Ethel- 
bert, King of Kent, with many of his people, were bap- 
tized. Prom Kent the Gospel spread rapidly through the 
other kingdoms. To meet the growing wants of the new 
church, Augustine went to France, and at Aries was 
consecrated bishop. Eeturning to England he fixed his 
See at Canterbury. By the end of the seventh century 
the whole island was Christian. 

4. With the Eoman armies the Christian religion had 
been carried into Germany, but there was no general con- 



RELIGIOUS ORDERS — EAST. 283 

version of the nation till St. Boniface^ an Anglo-Saxon, 
began the work in earnest. For twenty-fiye years he 
traveled over Germany and Bavaria. He fonnd the 
country covered with idols ; he left it Christian. In the 
year 755 he was put to death, a martyr of zeal. 

5. In the ninth century the Danes and the Swedes were 
converted, and after them the Hungarians and Eussians. 
In the year 912 the Normans received the faith and 
settled in France, and at the end of this century (1000), 
the Poles, with their saintly king, Stephen, bowed before 
the Cross. 

6. The struggle had been long and the resistance great, 
but in the end Christ had conquered. The Jews had 
tried persecution and failed ; Eome had for three hundred 
years warred against the Church, and failed ; the bar- 
barians had resisted, but in time were subdued ; heresy 
and schism had striven to rend the seamless garment of 
Christ, and failed. God alone is great ; God alone is 
eternal, and as He, so is His Church — spotless and eternal. 



15. — Religious Orders— East. 

1. From the beginning of the Church, the most fervent 
and earnest devoted themselves to prayer and meditation, 
giving their goods to the poor and themselves to works of 
charity and penance. In the community of goods, and 
the consecrated virgins spoken of in the New Testament, 
is found the first germs of monastic life ; but not till 
the middle of the third century was there anything like 
organized communities of Eeligious or any fixed Eule for 
their government. Up to that time each had been a rule 
to himself, living in his own family, or where convenience 
best suited. 

2. In the year 251, St. Anthony was born in Egypt, of 
rich and virtuous parents. Hearing one day in the Church 
the words: '"If thou wilt be perfect, go, sell all thou hast 



284 CHURCH HISTORY. 

and give to the poor ; " he took them literally. Selling 
all he had^ he retired to the wilderness and gave himself 
up to prayer and fasting. 

3. His food was bread, his drink water ; his bed a mat, 
or the bare earth ; his clothing a shirt of hair and a cloak 
of skin. After many years thus spent in the deserts of 
Thebais, God gave him the gift of miracles. This drew 
to him many followers, whom he formed into communi- 
ties, and for whom he drew up rules, including the vows 
of poverty, chastity, and obedience. 

4. These monks, as they were called, spent their time 
in fasting and prayer and labor. Their food was bread 
and water, of which they eat but once a day, and that not 
till the evening ; their bed a mat, and tlieir abode a little 
cell, or a cave in the rocks. 

5. Soon these communities spread not only through 
Egypt and Palestine, bat also through Syria and Greece, 
and the whole East. 

6. St. Anthony died (356) at the advanced age of one 
hundred and five years, leaving after him the beginning 
of an Institution that has been one of the glories of the 
Church, and the most powerful of means for the sanctifi- 
cation of souls and the promulgation of the Gospel. The 
monks of the East, but more particularly of the West, 
have been the great missionaries, the great writers and 
scholars of the world. There is nothing they have not 
touched, and nothing they have not beautified, be it 
history, or science, or philosophy, or theology. 



16. — Religious Orders — West. 

1. After the death of St. Anthony, the work he had 
begun was carried on by St. Paul at Thebes, and Pacho- 
mius (340) by the Nile ; St. Hilarion, a disciple of St. 
Jerome, carried the monastic rule into Palestine, while 
St. Basil the Great, by his learning and wisdom, gave 
strength and knowdedge to the Order. St. Augustine, in 



RELIGIOUS ORDERS — WEST. 285 

Africa (396), organized communities of women, for whom 
he wrote rules, yet used as the basis of the Eules for 
most of all the female religious communities since his 
time. 

2. Though much had been done, as above shown, yet 
much had yet to be done ere monastic] sm would attain its 
power and perfection. This came in the West with St. 
Benedict, who was born in Italy, a. d. 480. 

3. At the age of fourteen he left Rome, where he was 
at school, and went secretly to Subiaco, where for three 
years he dwelt unknown to the world. From thence he 
Avas made abbot of a monastery at Vicovaro, but the 
monks becoming dissatisfied with his strictness, he left 
and went to Monte Cassino (529), where he established a 
monastery that in time became the most celebrated house 
of learning and religion the world has ever seen. 

4. Besides prayer and penance, and the usual vows of 
poverty, chastity, and obedience, St. Benedict added labor 
— intellectual and manual. Under the hand of the Bene- 
dictines, deserts, marshes, and mountains became gardens ; 
their monasteries became homes of learning ; in them 
history was written, science cultivated, and religion and 
civilization found their great defenders. It is usual to 
decry the monks, but the fact must ever remain that, 
through them, whatever of classic lore or ancient or 
mediaeval history we have, has been preserved. 

5. During the middle ages, the Benedictine, the Fran- 
ciscan, and the Dominican Orders were the great religious 
power of Europe. To the Benedictines is due whatever 
of ancient civilization we have, and in the Franciscans 
and Dominicans v/e have the great preachers and theolo- 
gians. 

17. — Religious Orders. Concluded. 

1. In the beginning monks were only laymen, and not 
till well on in the Middle Ages were priests admitted 
amongst them. In the twefth century the Albigenses and 



286 CHUKCH HISTOKY. 

Waldenses rose in the south of France to disturb society 
with their errors. To counteract their teachings^ and trv 
to convert them, St. Dominic, a Spanish priest (1215), 
established the Religious Order known as the Dominicans, 
or Friar Preachers. To preaching they united great learn- 
ing. The most distinguished among them is St. Thomas 
Aquinas. 




DEATH OF ST. FKA:NC1S OF ASSISE. 



2. Cotemporary with St. Dominic was St. Francis of 
Assisi. He too established an Order (1223) whose end 
was also preaching. To learning he added extreme pov- 
erty in dress and food. St. Dominic seeing the great 
success of the Franciscan Order, added poverty to his 
rule. Hence, both Orders are known as Mendicant 
Orders, the members of both being required by their 
Eule to make begging a part of their religious life. The 
> Benedictines, Dominicans, and Franciscans were the three 
great Orders of the Mediaeval Church. Otlier Orders 
arose, but they were but branches ; such as the Cistercians 
by St. Bernard (1113), and the Carthusians (1101) under 
St. Bruno, who sought merely to revive the fervor of the 



MOHAMMEDANISM. 287 

Benedictine Rule, or to acid greater rigor to its austerities. 
3. At the Reformation St. Ignatius (1540) established 
the Society commonly known as the Jesuits. Their object 
is teaching and preaching. By their great learning, both 
as writers and preachers, they have greatly helped to resist 
and refute the errors of Protestantism. They are noted as 
teachers, having colleges and schools everywiiere. They 
and the Franciscans have been the gTcat missionaries of 
the Church in latter times — the Jesuits in Xorth America, 
the Franciscans in Mexico and South America, and both 
have won immortal glory among the Pagans of Asia and 
Africa. 

18. — Mohammedanism. 

1. Mohammed was born at Mecca, in Arabia, a. d. 569. 
In youth he engaged in commerce, but at the age of forty 
began to preach religion, giving himself out as a prophet. 
He promised his followers wealth and power in this world, 
and a paradise of sensual pleasures in the next. He also 
taught the doctrine of fatalism. 

2. Aided, it is said, by an apostate monk, Mohammed 
composed a book, known as the Koran, filled with fables 
and maxims drawn from the Old and New Testament. 
He held Christ was a Prophet, and that there was but one 
(lod. He forbade the use of pork or wine to his followers, 
but permitted polygamy. 

3. In the year 622 Mohammed fled to Medina, where he 
began a war on all who would not believe in him. In 630, 
at the head of an army, he returned to Mecca, took it, 
and at once began a career of conquest seldom equalled 
by the most renowned. 

4. At his death (632), all Ai^abia had accepted Mohammed, 
and within twenty years after, his successors had subdued 
Syria and Palestine, Egypt and Persia (651). From Asia 
they swept along the Mediterranean, subduing Northern 
Africa (707) and so completely destroying Christianity 
that scarce a vestige remains. From thence they passed 



288 CHURCH HISTORY. 

over to Spain (711) and seized upon the greater part of 
the country. 

5. The Christians that were spared^ fled to the moun- 
tains. For seven hundred years war between the Moham- 
medans and Christians of Spain w^as carried on, and only 
ended (1492) when, under Ferdinand and Isabella, the 
Moorish city of Granada was taken, and the Moors finally 
driven out or converted. 

6. In 732 a countless host of Mohammedans, or, as they 
were also called, Saracens, invaded the south of France, 
carrying destruction and ruin everywhere. Wherever they 
had come, so far, their power had been irresistible. Europe 
seemed destined to fall before them, as Asia and Africa 
had already done. But at this moment, God raised up 
Charles Martel, King of France, who, with his army, met 
the Saracens near Poitiers, where a great battle was 
fought. The Saracens were defeated, and it is said three 
hundred thousand of them vv^ere left dead upon the field. 
Christendom was saved, and the further progress of the 
Mohammedans was forever arrested in Europe. 



19. — Temporal Power of the Popes. 

1. From the time of Constantino (330), the Eoman 
emperors had gradually concentrated their power in the 
East, leaving Kome and the West much to itself. During 
the invasions of the barbarians, the people began to look 
to the Popes for protection, so that from the necessities 
of the times the Popes became, to a great extent, the civil 
as well as the ecclesiastical rulers of Rome. This was 
finally and formally settled in 755 by the act of Pepin, 
King of France, and later, in 774, by Charlemagne. 

2. In 755, Avhilc Stephen II. filled the pontifical chair, 
the Lombards under their king, Astolphus, invaded the 
Roman territory and laid waste the surrounding country. 
Having in vain appealed to the Eastern Emperor for 
assistance, the Pope turned to Pepin, son of Charles 



TEMPORAL POWER OF THE POPES. 289 

Martol, who crossed the Alps, drove back the Lombards, 
and by a solemn act gave to the Poj)e and his successors 
forever the territory of Kome and Eavenna, together with 
Bologna and Ferrara, and a considerable portion of the 
territory stretching along the Adriatic. 

3. Twenty years later (774), when the Lombards a 
third time attacked Eome, Charlemagne crossed into 
Italy, and defeating them, confirmed the grant given to 
Pope Stephen, adding new territory to the original gift. 
From that time to 1870 the Popes have governed Eome 
and the states above named. In 1870, Victor Emanuel, 
King of Sardinia, invaded the states of the Church, took 
Eome, and has since lield it, keeping the Pope a pris- 
oner in the Vatican. 

4. Though these temporal possessions are not essential 
to the existence of the Church to-day any more than 
duriiig the first three centuries, yet they are of immense 
benefit. The necessities of religion require that the 
Pope be independent of kings and princes, that he be free 
from the intrigues of courts and politicians, and that he 
be free to communicate with the bishops of the w^orld. 
This he cannot do if dependent on any government for 
his liberty, nor can he act freely and independently with 
governments if he is subject to any particular govern- 
ment. This is well seen in the present condition of 
Eome, where infidels are robbing the Church and destroy- 
ing religion. 

20.— The Crusades. 

1. After oveiTunning Syria and Palestine, the Moham- 
medans took Jerusalem (638). The Emperor Heraclius 
removed the true Cross, but the city was pillaged and the 
Christians subjected to great hardships. 

2. During the reign of Charlemagne the western em- 
pire assumed much of its ancient glory and power. The 
Mohammedans were kept in check, and the Christians in 
tho East were to some extent protected against cruelties 



to 



290 



CHURCH HISTORY. 



and persecutions. But after his death (814) persecution 
was renewed^ and continued to the end of the eleventh 
century^ when the first Crusade began. 

3. During the eleyenth century religious zeal ran very 
high, and many visited the Holy Land as pious pilgrims. 
On these pilgrimages they were subjected to great indig- 
nities, the Mohammedans robbing them, and often put- 
ting them to death or reducing them to slavery. 




PHEACHING THE CKUSADEo. 



-i. The recital of these indignities and persecutions 
greatly excited the Christians of Europe. Popes Sylvester 
II. and Gregory VIL appealed to the Christian princes of 
Europe to protect the Christians in the East, and to free 
Jerusalem from the power of the Mussulman. 

5. In the year 1094 Peter, surnamed the Hermit, visited 
the Holy Land, and on his return spoke to Pope Urban 
IL of the distress of the Christians in the East. The 
Pope called a council at Clermont, at which it was resolved 
to recover Jerusalem. 

6. Amid great enthusiasm large armies were raised. 
Cries of '^Crod wills if were everywhere heard. The 



THE CEUSADES. 291 

march was begun, and soon Constantinople was reached. 
Nice was taken ; Antioch fell into the hands of the Cru- 
saders, and in a short time the most of Palestine was in 
possession of the Christians. 

7. When the Crusaders first saw Jerusalem from a 
neighboring hill, they fell on their knees and kissed 
the ground, then rising and shouting ^^God wills it,^' 
rushed to the attack. For five weeks the Mussulman 
held the walls, but on Friday, July 15, 1099, at three 
o'clock in the afterooon, the city was taken by assault, 
and the Tomb of Christ was in the hands of the Cru- 
saders. 

8. Eight days after, Godfrey of Bouillon was elected 
king, but when offered a golden crown, refused to wear 
it, saying, ^^that it was not fit that he should wear a 
crown of gold where the King of kings had worn a crown 
of thorns." 

9. By the battle of Ascalon, fought on the 12th of 
August of the same year, the whole of Palestine fell into 
the hands of the Crusaders. Jerusalem remained in pos- 
session of the Christians for eighty-eight years, when it 
was again taken by the Saracens (1187), and with a short 
interval of eleven years, from 1228 to 1239, it has ever 
since been under the dominion of the Turks. 



21. — The Crusades. Concluded. 

1. In 1144 the Saracens attacked the Christians of 
Palestine ; Edessa was taken and the inhabitants put to 
the sword. When the news reached Europe Louis VIL, 
King of France, and Conrad III., Emperor of Germany, 
raised two large armies and marched for the Holy Land. 
They failed ; and after an ineffectual attempt to reduce 
Damascus, returned with but a remnant of their armies. 

2. After the fall of Jeinisalem in 1187, the Emperor of 
Germany, Frederick Barbarossa, and Philip, King of 
Prance, with Richard, Coeur-de- Lion , King of England, 
raised each an army, and in 1189 marched for Jerusalem. 



2Q2 CHURCH HISTORY. 

Frederick died on the journey. After a siege of twenty- 
three months Acre was taken, when Philip returned, 
leaving Eichard to continue the war. In 1192 Eichard 
concluded a treaty with the Turks, by which the Chris- 
tians were at liberty to visit Jerusalem and Palestine 
without molestation. With his return ended this third 
and best equipped of all the Crusades. 

3. A fourth (1203) and a fifth (1228) Crusade were 
undertaken for the defense of Palestine. In the former, 
Constantinople was taken, and for fifty-six years was held 
by Baldwin, Count of Flanders, and his successors ; by the 
latter Jerusalem was ceded to Frederick II., Emperor of 
Germany, but no substantial benefits remained to the 
Christians by either expedition. 

4. In 1244 the Turks burst into Syria, and overrunning 
Palestine, again took Jerusalem and pillaged it. To repel 
these barbarians St. Louis, King of France, headed the 
sixth Crusada, but was defeated and taken prisoner (1250). 
On the payment of a large ransom he Avas set at liberty, 
and with other prisoners, returned to France. Twenty 
years after (1270) Louis undertook still another Crusade, 
but his fleet was driven by adverse winds to the coast of 
Africa, where he landed his troops near the site of ancient 
Carthage. A virulent plague breaking out, his army was' 
swept away, and he himself fell a victim. With him died 
the last effort to recover Jerusalem, which ever since has 
remained in the hands of the infidel — a sad thought for 
the Christian mind. 

5. Though the Crusades had failed to free the Holy 
Land from the power of the infidel, and had cost Europe 
immense loss of both men and treasure, yet they were not 
without benefit. By them commerce had been enlarged, 
knowledge increased, and the refinement of the East 
brought to the West. The fine arts, a wider knowledge 
of geography and mathematics, and the institution of 
chivalry, were some of the advantages derived by the 
Crusades, to which must be added the stop they put to 
Mohammedan conquest. 



SCIEXCE A^TD LITERATURE. 293 

22.— Science and Literature during the Middle 

Ages. 

1. In the fall of the Eoman Empire, and the invasion 
of Europe by the Barbarians, literature received a rude 
shock, and for a time science and letters seemed doomed, 
but God had provided a savior in the monks, with whom 
some of the princes and rulers co-operated. 

2. Owing to the disturbed state of society occasioned by 
the constant wars of the Barbarians and the devastations 
consequent thereon, little for a time could be done for the 
cultivation of letters. The wonder is not that so little 
was done, but that under the circumstances so much was 
done. 

3. With the reorganization of the empire under Pepin, 
King of Prance (741), and its final consolidation under his 
son Charlemagne (800), literature began to revive. Char- 
lemagne was a great patron of letters. Under his reign, 
notwithstanding liis continual wars, he established schools, 
and gathered together the learned from his whole empire. 

4. He invited from England, Alcuin (804), a distin- 
guished scholar and pupil of the venerable Bede, under 
whose direction academies were established, and the sons 
of the more wealthy flocked to his lectures ; Alcuin spoke 
Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, was master of philosophy, 
theology, history, and mathematics. Under his teaching 
the schools of Prance soon became celebrated, and scholars 
from all Europe came to learn wisdom at his lips. The 
impulse thus given to letters by Charlemagne was con- 
tinued by his successors. 

5. Alfred the Great, King of England (870), after 
defeating the Danes and driving them out of the country, 
also turned his attention to the education of his people. 
For this purpose he in turn invited from Prance men of 
learning, founded schools and encouraged letters, so that 
under his reign science and learning made great progress. 

6. Otho, Emperor of Germany (973), was also a great 
patron of education ; he established schools and patronized 



294 CHURCH HISTORY. 

the learned. His example revived and infused new life 
into the schools of France and England. During this 
period the schools of Ireland were also very celebrated ; so 
much so^ that as many as twenty-five thousand scholars 
are said to have attended at one time the schools of 
Armagh. 

7. In the year 529 the celebrated monastery of Monte 
Casino^ in Italy, was founded by St. Benedict, and by the 
end of the 12th century the monasteries of Cluny in 
France, Bee in Normandy, and the schools of Oxford and 
Canterbury in England, had grown into great repute. 
Pope Sylvester II (1003) and Gregory VII (1013) were also 
great patrons of learning, besides being defenders of the 
faith, while Lanfranc and St. Anselm, in England, had 
rendered illustrious the See of Canterbury, and by their 
learning adorned the age in which they lived. 



23. — The Monks and Literature. 

1. It is popular with modern historians to decry the 
monks and accuse them of laziness and ignorance. Be- 
cause forsooth steamboats, telegraphs, and railroads were 
unknown to the Middle Ages, then the men of the past 
were ignorant, and the Church sought to keep the world 
in darkness. This is not correct either in fact or in 
reason. 

2. The truth is, there was much more learning among 
the masses, and scholars far more profound during the 
Middle Ages than has been generally admitted. The usual 
mode of reasoning is, to compare the past with the 
present, and if the present has what the past had not, 
then to conclude that the past was buried in darkness, 
and that ignorance reigned supreme. The unfairness of 
this reasoning is easily seen. 

3. To reason justly we must consider the condition of 
the past — the disruption of society by the fall of Eome ; 
the devastation of Europe by the Barbarians ; and the 
necessary reorganization of society and the formation of 



THE MOKKS AND LITERATUKE. 295 

new governments. To these must be added the ignorance 
and number of the slaves; the rudeness of the Barbarians, 
and the continual wars, consequent on the rude and un- 
civilized state of society. 

4. To overcome the above, schools and colleges had to 
be established, manners softened, the Barbarian civilized, 
and slavery abolished. Yet all this was done during the 
jliddle Ages ; and though learning was not as diffused 
among the i)eople then as now, yet there were scholars 
not only as profound as any of to-day, but they found 
audiences fully as able to understand and appreciate them 
as any we find in modern times. 

5. At first the monks were but cultivators of the soil ; 
but as the monasteries grew in size and wealth they 
opened hospitals, then schools, where rich and poor were 
free to attend. In these schools were taught Grammar 
and Ehetoric, Arithmetic and Logic, Greek and Eoman 
Classics, Aristotle and Euclid. 

6. The best fitted among the monks were selected ; 
some to teach, some to copy, some to write on history or 
sacred Scripture. Others devoted themselves to science, 
or architecture, or the fine arts. 

7. The churches and monasteries that time, fire, and 
the Reformation have spared, show^ the state of perfection 
to which architecture was carried, as also carving and 
painting. To these must be added music, and the dis- 
coveries and inventions of the Middle Ages, showing not 
only a high degree of intelligence, but causing wonder to 
the honest-minded that so much could have been done in 
the midst of so much that was adverse. 

8. The writings of Bedo (730), Alcuin (804), gcotus 
Erigina (885), Gerbert (1003), Anselm (1106), Bernard 
(1150), Bonaventure (1270), St. Thomas (1272), Dante 
(1309), Petrarch (1370), show not only men of profound 
minds, but men of most extensive learning. By their 
fruits let the past be judged, and by them it w^ill be seen 
that the Middle Ages were neither >:o dark, nor Catholics 
so ignorant, as so-called history pretends to tell. 



296 



CHURCH HISTORY. 



24. — Discoveries and Inventions of Catholics. 

1. A common mode of reasoning is to assume the past 
is not equal to the present^ or vice versa, as it best suits 
our yaiiity. So men of modern times very often assume 
that an improvement is a discovery. That the present 
age has improved on the past is not to be doubted, but 
that much that is really original has been either invented 
or discovered in the present age may be very honestly 




THE CATHEDRAL OF COLOGNE. 



doubted. It is also commonly assumed that Catholics have 
done nothing for either science or arts. This is a grave 
mistake, as will be seen by the following list of discoveries 
and inventions, all by Catholics, and many of them before 
the Protestant Eeformation. 

2. Architecture, music, sculpture, painting, glass-stain- 
ing, and such like, have been always taken as criterions of 
the civilization of which they were the outcome. The 
architecture of Rcme, and Greece, and Babylon, and 



DISCOVERIES AND INVENTIONS OF CATHOLICS. 297 

Egypt, are taken to-day as signs of the advanced state of 
civilization in those countries^ when they built to the 
wonder of the world. So we can point to the great 
cathedrals of Europe, such as Cologne, Spiers, Milan, 
Canterbury, and Winchester, that to-day are the wonder 
and admiration of all, as monuments of the high cultiva- 
tion of the Middle Ages, when they were built. 

3. Besides this may be mentioned the cultivation and 
manufactory of silk introduced into Europe by two 
monks in the year 551, the invention of water-mills (555), 
window-glass for churches and dwellings (601), bells for 
churches (605), organs (673), paper, made of cotton (706), 
made of linen (1270). The Gregorian Chant, by Pope 
Gregory the Great (600), to which was added the gamut, 
or scale in music, that so aids in its study; also clocks 
with balance and wheels (1089), glass-staining, with 
the art of imprinting figures upon it (1199), gun- 
powder (1214), watches (1306), and the mariner's com- 
pass (1310). 

4. To these inventions of the Middle Ages must be 
added the inventions and discoveries made by Catholics 
before and since the Reformation. Amongst these are 
jorinting (1400), the discovery of America and its partial 
colonization in the 11th century, and its after discovery 
in 1492 by Columbus, also the doubling of the Cape of 
Good Hope in 1497. 

5. In 1542 the Solar System was discovered by Coper- 
nicus, and in 1543 steamboat navigation was demonstrated 
in Spain by Blasco de Garay. The rotundity of the earth 
was taught by Virgilius (764), afterwards by Dante (1320) 
in his immortal Inferno, and in 1610 its motion was 
demonstrated by Galileo, as also the Satellites of Jupiter 
discovered. In 1582 the Calendar now used was corrected 
by Pope Gregory. 

6. In 1597 the thermometer was invented by Galileo ; 
the telescope and microscope in 1609, and the barometer 
in 1643. In 1630 the art of enamelling on ivory was 
invented, and in 1791 galvanism was discovered. The 



^ 398 CHURCH HISTORY. 

weaving of satin and broadcloth were discoveries of the 
Middle Ages (1189). 

7. Nearly all the present governments of Europe were 
formed during the Middle Ages, with their languages and 
laws. When we add to all this the abolition of slavery 
in Europe, the civilization of the Barbarians, the softening 
of manners, the elevation of woman, the Magna Charta, 
trial by jury, the habeas corpus, the Common Law, and 
the sanctity of home, all the direct results of the teachings 
of the Catholic Church during the Middle Ages, it will be 
seen that not only the Church has been no obstacle to 
progress^ either in science or art, but that to Catholics is 
due the discovery of nearly all the valuable inventions 
we have. Carefully examined it will be seen, that with 
the exception of the steam-engine and the railroad, little 
that is really new has been discovered other than by 
Catholics. It is true, valuable improvements have been 
made, but discoveries and inventions of things entirely 
new are few and far between. 



4:^^- 



THIRD PERIOD. 

FROM THE REFORMATION TO 
THE PRESENT TIME. 



25.— Causes of the Reformation. 

1. Two causes largely contributed to the success of the 
Reformation, one the decline of morals, the other the 
spread of the heresies of Wycliffe and Huss. The great 
wealth of the monasteries had certainly brought laxity 
among their members, while the universal acceptance of 
Catholicity had deadened zeal for its maintenance. The 
discovery of printing about the time of Luther rendered 



CAUSES OF THE eeformatio:n^. 299 

possible the rapid spread of heresy, to which must be 
added the long contests between the Church and the 
secular powers, which had greatly weakened authority. 

2. In the years 1356, John Wycliffe, a fellow of Oxford 
University, England, began to preach against the monks. 
Four years after (1360), he attacked the whole ecclesias- 
tical order, teaching that the Poj)e was not the head of the 
Church, nor were bishops superior to 2:)riests ; that priests 
and civil magistrates lost their authority Avhen they fell 
into mortal sin, ending all by the denial of Transubstan- 
tiation. 

3. These doctrines readily found followers, who, under 
the name of Lollards, created great disturbance, assuming 
the right to preach when and where they pleased. In 
1380 Wycliffe translated the Bible into English, and four 
years after (1384), died, having been condemned by the 
Pope and several Councils in England. His doctrines were 
finally condemned at the Council of Constance (1415), as 
was also John Huss, who had begun to preach them in 
Bohemia. 

4. In 1402 Jerome of Prague returned from Oxford, 
where he had been studjing, and began to preach the 
doctrines of Wycliffe. He was seconded by John Huss of 
the same place, vvho not only taught the condemned 
doctrines of Wycliffe, but went farther — denying the 
authority of the Pope, attacking the clergy, the doctrines 
of the Church on indulgences, the Blessed Virgin, the 
Saints, and communion under one kind. 

5. His doctrines spread rapidly through Bohemia. In 
1414 the Council of Constance was held, before which he 
appeared, was condemned and burned at the stake (1415). 
The next year, his followers rose in great force, overran 
Bohemia and were not finally subdued till 1436, but 
by this time his doctrines were widespread. The tares 
had been sown, and in 1517 brought forth their fruit in 
the heresy of Luther, when he began to preach against 
indulgences, and maintain the heresies taught by Wycliffe 
and Huss. 



300 CHURCH HISTOKY. 

G. It cannot be denied that the laxity of morals greatly 
contributed to the spread of these heresies, while the 
wealth of the Church afforded a specious pretext to 
attack the clergy. Besides, as will be readily seen, the 
doctrines of Wycliffe and Huss appealed to the worst 
passions, exciting directly to rebellion against authority. 
The same was in worse degree under Luther, his doctrines 
exciting not only to rebellion against authority, but 
appealing to the worst form of intellectual pride. 



26.— Luther. 



1. November 10, 1483, Martin Luther, the first and 
chief of the Protestant Reformers, was born in Thuringia, 
Germany. In 1505 he became a monk of the Order of 
St. Augustine, and shortly after was appointed professor 
in the Uniyersity of Wittenberg. 

2. In 1517 Pope Leo X. published a Jubilee, and directed 
that the alms to be given should be sent to Rome to help 
complete the great Cathedral of St. Peter, then being 
built. Tetzel, Superior of the Dominicans, was appointed 
to preach this Jubilee throughout Germany, which gTeatly 
displeased Luther, because of the slight, as he supposed, 
that had thus been thrown upon the Augustinians by not 
inviting them to j)r8ach the Jubilee. 

3. At first Luther attacked only the Dominicans, but 
in a short time he also attacked the doctrine of indul- 
gences itself, publishing October 31, 1517, his famous 
declaration of principles, in which were embodied the 
germs of the Protestant Reformation. In 1520 his doc- 
trines were condemned by the Pope and he himself 
excommunicated. 

4. In 1522 Luther translated the Bible into German, 
and with it proclaimed the doctrine of ^"^an open Bible 
and free interpretation," as a fundamental doctrine. He 
also denied the supremacy of the Pope, the authority of 
the Church, the celibacy of the clergy, the efficacy of the 



LUTHER. 301 

sacraments, the doctrine of purgatory, and the teachings 
of the Church on justification and original sin. 

5. He forbade his followers to honor the Saints or to 
obey the commandments of the Church, rejecting all the 
sacraments except Baptism and the Lord's Supper. He 
also taught that faith without good works would save, 
contrary to the Catholic doctrine, which teaches that men 
are saved by faith with good works. 

6. With the exception of '^the Bible alone as the Eule 
of faith," Luther and Calvin but repeated the heresies of 
Huss and Wycliife, and the earlier heresiarchs. Calvin 
adopted the heresies of Pelagius on grace and original 
sin, w^hile Luther with his ^*open Bible and free interpre- 
tation^' paved the way to the multiplicity of sects, and 
the vagaries of opinion into which Protestantism has 
divided. In 1525 Luther married Catharine de Bora, a 
nun whom he had persuaded to leave her convent, and in 
1546 he died, with Protestanism torn into pieces by the 
contending sects. 

7. The doctrines of Luther spread ra]3idly throughout 
Saxony, the north of Germany, and Prussia. From 
thence they passed into Denmark, Sweden, and Nor- 
way, encouraged by princes and kings, and everywhere 
accompanied with bloodshed and disorder. Calvinism 
was adopted in parts of France and Switzerland, and 
under the teaching of Knox became the religion of 
Scotland. 

8. In 1545 the Council of Trent was convened, and 
after seventeen years of careful examination, condemned 
the heresies of Luther and Calvin, at the same time 
affirming the true doctrine on the sacraments, grace, 
original sin, justification, and free will. The Canon of 
Soripture was more precisely determined, and many wise 
laws published. For over three hundred years no new 
Council Avas held till 1869, when the Council of the 
Vatican assembled, but in 1870 was forced to adjourn in 
consequence of the seizure of Rome by Victor Emanuel, 
King of Italy. 



302 CHURCH HISTORY. 



27. — Calvin and Knox. 

1. John Calvin was born 1509 at Noyon, France, and died 
at Geneva, 1564. At first he studied for the priesthood 
and received Minor Orders, but afterwards studied law. 
In 1532 he adopted the doctrines of Luther, and in 1535 
published his celebrated " Institutions," in which he 
embodied the heresies of Pelagius on grace and predes- 
tination, teaching that all men were predestined by the 
fore will of God to heaven or hell ; thus destroying free 
will and making God the author of sin. 

2. In 1536 he went to Geneva, from whence, two yeara 
after, he was banished because of his great rigor and 
vehemence. In 1541 he returned, and from that to his 
death (1564) ruled Geneva with a rod of iron. In 1553 
he burned Servetus, because he taught doctrines on the 
Trinity objectionable to Calvin, thus denying to others 
the freedom he claimed for himself. 

3. Calvin forbade all exterior religion, forbidding re- 
ligious ceremonies, denying the Mass, the Eeal Presence, 
the invocation of Saints, the supremacy of the Pope, and 
the sacramental character of bishops and priests. 

4. Calvin was a man of strong character, great rigor, 
and deep, resolute will. He is by many deemed the soul 
and real author of the Eeformation, and wherever his 
doctrines have been accepted they have produced a deep 
and lasting effect. 

5. John Knox, author of the Eeformation in Scotland, 
was born 1505 ; was ordained priest, but in 1547 began 
to preach against the Pope and the Mass. He was a man 
violent of temper and rude in manners. In 1554 he 
adopted the doctrines of Calvin, and succeeded in having 
them so universally adopted in Scotland that Catholicity 
was almost entirely rejected by the Scotch. He died in 
1572, revered by the Scotch, but known in history as the 
" ruffian of the Eeformation." 



I 



THE REFORMATION IN ENGLAND. 303 



28.— The Protestant Reformation in England. 

1. In the beginning, Henry VIII., King of England, 
was strongly opposed to the doctrines of Luther, writing 
a book against him, for which he was called by the Pope, 
^^ Defender of the Faith," a title still retained by the 
kings and queens of England. 

2. In 1509 he married Catharine of Aragon, but twenty- 
four years after, conceived an unlawful passion for Anne 
Boleyn, waiting-maid to the queen. Because the Pope 
refused to divorce him from his lawful wife, Catharine, 
he declared himself head of the Church in England, 
forced parliament to divorce him (1533), then publicly 
married Anne Bolepi, to whom he had been already 
privately married some months before. 

3. Three years after (1536), he had her beheaded, and 
next day married Jane Seymour, v/ho the year following 
died, when he again married. Within six months this 
marriage vras also annulled, and he married Catharine 
Howard, who next year was beheaded, when he married 
again. He was preparing to have this, his sixth wife, 
divorced, when he himself died, despised and detested by 
all. Such was the man who began the Eeformation in 
England. 

4. After the death of Henry VITI. (1547), the Eeforma- 
tion was continued by Edward VI. (1547-1553) and 
Elizabeth (1558-1603), under whose reigns Catholicity 
was almost entirely destroyed, and Protestanism so firmly 
established that up to within the last fifty years there 
were but few Catholics in England. Latterly, however, 
the Church has again begun to grow in England, there 
being at present (1881) three English Cardinals, besides 
bishops, priests, and religious. 

5. When Henry VIII. separated from the Church, he 
began a most violent persecution, seizing upon the monas- 
teries, dri\dng out the religious, and dividing their lands 
among his partisans. Prison, fines, confiscation, torture, 



304 CHURCH HISTORY. 

death, was the doom of all who refused to acknowledge 
him as head of the Church. He beheaded Fisher, Bishop 
of Eochester, and Thomas More, Chancellor, two of the 
most distinguished men of England, because they would 
not sanction his diyorce, or acknowledge his supremacy 
in spirituals. 

6. To the schism of Henry, Edward and Elizabeth added 
heresy, suppressing the Mass, destroying images, pillaging 
and profaning churches, changing dogma and ceremonies, 
the whole nation basely accepting at the beck of its rulers. 
From the death of Elizabeth (1603) to the present day, 
the ''English Church," as it is now called, has been but 
the slave of the state, the kings and queens of England 
being its head. 

7. To make converts. Catholicity has ever appealed to 
reason ; Protestantism, like Mohammedanism, to force 
and violence. In England and Scotland Protestantism 
was forced upon the people by fines, imprisonment, and 
death ; in Germany and Prussia, Sweden and Denmark, 
and Norway the same. In America the Puritans acted 
in like manner. 

8. Protestanism began with ''an open Bible and Free 
Interpretation," and has ended in division and disbelief. 
By the above principle every one becomes judge of what 
he will, or will not believe. Hence, amongst Protestants 
there are almost as many religions as there are individuals, 
the churches divided and torn into pieces, ending in 
infidelity and Mormonism. On the other hand, Catlio- 
licity remains ever the same, because Catholicity is truth, 
and truth changes not. 



29.— The Church in Asia and America. 

1. While on the one hand the Church was being so 
sadly despoiled in Europe by the violence of Protestantism, 
she was on the other consoled by the heroism of her 
martyrs, and the wonderful conversions to her fold in 
India and Japan, and amid the forests of America. 



THE CHURCH IN ASIA AND AMERICA. 305 

2. Ill 1540 the Society of Jesus was organized by Igna- 
tius of Loyola, a Spanish soldier. From the beginning, this 
Society has been distinguished for its learning and zeal. 
In 1541 Francis Xavier, one of its first members, was sent 
to Goa, a Portuguese settlement in India, where for six 
years he preached throughout India and Malabar, count- 
ing his converts by millions. 



ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 



3. In 1549 he passed over to Japan, and preached with 
such success, that within fifty years there were over three 
million Christians gathered to the Church. In 1552 
Xavier passed from Japan to China, but God was satisfied 
with what he had done, and he died on the coast, at the 
early age of forty-six years. 

4. While St. Francis Xavier was thus adding to the 
Church in the East, his brother Jesuits in Paraguay, 
South America, were converting the rude savages to the 
Faith, teaching them a knowledge of God and forming 
them to habits of civilized life (1556). 

5. In 1608 the French founded Quebec, Canada, w^here 



306 CHURCH HISTORY. 

they not only planted the cross as a sign of their own 
faith, but established a missionary home, from whence 
the Jesuits sent forth a band of heroes to explore the 
country and convert the Indians. 

6. There is no more beautiful page in the history of the 
Church than that of the Jesuits in Xorth America. From 
Quebec they penetrated into New York, where Jogues 
gave his life for the conversion of the Mohawks, while 
Brebeuf and Lallamant died at the stake for their Huron 
converts. Up the St. Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers, along 
Lakes Huron and Michigan, through forests and amid the 
Avild tribes of the West, Marquette sought the Mississippi — 
preaching the Gospel everywhere — the first of Europeans 
to look upon its waters. The works of the Jesuits in 
North America have disappeared with the destruction of 
the Indians, but they v/ere not the less real, nor their 
success the less true because to-day so little remains to 
tell of former struggles and triumphs. 



30. — Religious Wars in Europe. 

1. With the acceptance of the doctrine of Luther, 
^*^ that all men were free in religion,'' there soon rose a 
desire to be also free in secular affairs. 

2. In Germany the Lutherans took up arms, pillaged and 
burned churches, destroyed monasteries, and massacred 
priests and religious. After great loss of life Charles V. 
subdued them, and in 1555, by the peace of Augsburg, 
accorded them the free exercise of their religion ; but in 
1619 they again rose in rebellion. By the assistance of 
the Danes and Swedes, and the Protestants of France, 
they, for thirty years, carried on war, which was finally 
ended in 1648 by the treaty of Westphalia. 

3. During this time the Oalvinists of France, under 
the name of Huguenots, began to disturb the peace. In 
1561 they took up arms, pillaged and destroyed churches, 
murdered priests and nuns, and attacked and burned a 
number of towns and villai::e:. 



RELIGIOUS WARS IJs EUROPE. 307 

4. On the eve of St. Bartholomew (1572) they were in 
turn attacked^ and large numbers of them killed in Paris 
and elsewhere throughout France. By the Edict of Nantes 
(1598) they were granted full libert}^ of conscience and 
excej)tional civil concessions, but abusing their privileges, 
the Edict was revoked (1685), when many of them fled to 
England and emigrated to America, settling mostly in the 
Carolinas and Georgia. 

5. Under the long reign of Elizabeth, who for forty 
years ruled England with a rod of iron, division amongst 
the Protestants Avas kept down, but at her death the 
necessary results came. 

G. By the free interpretation of the Scriptures there 
rose a sect, calling themselves Independents, who held 
that the reign of kings was incomj)atible with the reign 
of Christ ; that priests and religious ceremonies, and 
symbols, must be abolished ; and kings and nobles cease. 
Under the name of '^ Levellers '* they gained control of 
the army, and defeating the king, Charles I, he was tried, 
condemned, and beheaded (1649). 

7. Under the name of Covenanters, the Calvinists of 
Scotland began a war against all who differed with them 
in religion. They abolished ^^ popery and prelacy/' and 
under pain of fines and penalties, required all to sign the 
Covenant, which they drew up. They are known also as 
Presbyterians and Puritans. In 1643 they formed an 
alliance with the Independents of England, and co- 
operated in the defeat and death of the king. 

8. Under the teachings of Zwingli, one of the leaders 
of the Reformation, the Swiss rose in rebellion, to be 
followed by the JSTetherlands and Holland. In Prussia, 
Sweden, Denmark, and Xorway, Protestantism was forced 
upon the people at the point of the sword. The same wao 
done in England and Scotland. Everything that tyranny 
could invent has been tried, to make Ireland Protestant, 
but has ever failed ; the Irish, amid poverty and perse- 
cution, remaining steadfast in the faith. 



308 CHURCH HISTORY. 

31. — Results of the Teachings of the 
Reformation. 

1. " An open Bible and free interpretation/' proclaimed 
by the Eeformers^ destroys the authority of the Church 
and practically makes reason the rule of faith. Acting 
upon this, the Socinians^ called also Unitarians, began 
(1562) to deny the mystery of the Trinity, and to reject 
all doctrines they could not understand. 

2. These were followed in turn by the Deists, who 
attacked reyelation and the whole supernatural order ; 
then by the infidels, who denied the immortality of the 
soul, the existence of God, and the difference between 
good and evil. 

3. From Holland and England these doctrines passed 
into Prance, where they received additional force from 
the false and exaggerated teachings of the Jansenists 
(1640). Rousseau (1749) and Voltaire (1760) took them 
up, and under the guise of philosophy, assailed the whole 
system of Christianity. In a short time France and Europe 
were in a blaze. 

4. The Jesuits were everywhere attacked, and in 1773 
suppressed by a decree of Pope Clement XIV. In 1790 
the French Revolution broke out, and for a time the 
world stood aghast at the horrors that were committed 
under the name of liberty. 

5. The property of the Church was confiscated ; mar- 
riage declared a purely civil contract ; reason deified in 
the person of a wicked woman ; and the country ran with 
the blood of priests and nobles. In 1793 Louis XVI. was 
beheaded, and in 1798 the Sovereign Pontiff, Pius VI., 
was seized upon, by order of the French Directory, and 
yudely dragged through Italy into France, where he died 
the next year (1799), worn out by the fatigues and hard- 
ships to which he had been subjected. 

6. In the midst of these horrors Napoleon Bonaparte 
appeared upon the scene, and by the brilliancy of his 
genius and the success of the French arms, became 



GENERAL CONCLUSION. 309 

Emperor of France, and in 1804 was solemnly crowned in 
Notre Dame, Paris, by Pope Pius VII. Five years after, by 
order of Napoleon, the States of the Church were seized 
upon and Pius VII. dragged into France, where for five 
years he was held a prisoner. In 1815 the French were 
defeated at Waterloo, and Napoleon banished to the 
Island of St. Helena, where he died in the year 1821. 



32. — General Conclusion. 

1. Though much has been necessarily omitted in this 
short history of the Churcli, yet enough has been given 
to show how strangely the world has w^arred against God 
and religion. 

2. The Jews rejected Christ and persecuted His Apos- 
tles, to be themselves in turn persecuted and scattered 
over the world without home or country. Kome perse- 
cuted the Church, and in the vain hope of destroying 
Christianity, deluged the empire in the blood of the 
martyrs. 

3. Heresy rose, and by division strove to destroy the 
unity of faith, beginning with the denial of the divinity 
of Jesus Christ, and ending in the deification of human 
reason, and the right of men to determine for themselves 
what they shall or shall not believe. 

4. Heretofore the controversy between the Church and 
the world has been on matters of faith. In the Protestant 
world faith is rapidly passing away, to be replaced by in- 
difference or positive hostility to religion. The sects 
have lost their power, are divided and torn among them- 
selves, their only bond of unity being a common hostility 
to Catholicity. 

5. The Protestant world seems to have lost confidence 
in revelation to save the world, and are falling back upon 
education, hoping that men will be saved by a knowledge 
of science without religion, forgetting, seemingly, that 
man is a spiritual being and needs religion to purify and 
guide, and keep his unruly passions subject to reason. 



310 CHURCH HISTOEY. 

6. Within the Cliurch there is much to console and 
much to afflict. The indifierentism of the world is 
largely afEecting the faith of Catholics ; numbers are 
becoming cold or adopting the loose doctrines of the day. 
The teachings on ciyil freedom now so preyalent, are 
exciting to a religious freedom that must end in dis- 
belief. 

7. Germany has attempted to reyiye religious persecu- 
tion only to unite Catholics, and stir up their faith. The 
Infidels of France have begun a war upon the Church, 
expelling the religious and secularizing education. The 
Italian government has seized upon Eome and the States 
of the Church ; the Pope is a prisoner in the Vatican 
(1881), yet amid all this there is much to encourage. 

8. At no time in the Church's history have the bishoiDS 
been so united with the Sovereign Pontiff or among them- 
selves. Priests and people are filled with zeal. In Eng- 
land, Scotland, and America, the Church is growing with 
wonderful rapidity, and in Asia and Africa thousands are 
being added to the fold. Persecution but purifies and 
unites ; Christ is with his Church, always fair and ever 
true. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but Christ and 
His Church abide forever. 




HISTORY 


CC 
OF 


)NTENTS. 


THE 


OLD 


TESTAMENT. 









AGE I. 

EARLY HISTORY: FROM ADAM TO ABRAHAM. 



1. The Creation of the World... 

2. The Happiness of our First 

Parents in Paradise 

3. The Creation of the Angels and 

the Fall of Adam and Eve . . . 

4. The Punishment of Sin, and 

the Promise of a Redeemer. 



11 



CHAP. PAGE 

5. Cain and Abel 12 

6. The Deluge 13 

7. The Sacrifice of Noe 14 

8. The Sons of Noe-The Build- 

ing of the Tower of Babel— 

The Early Patriarchs 16 



AGE II. 

THE ELECTION OF THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL, 
OR FROM ABRAHAM TO MOSES. 



9. The Call of Abraham 18 

10. The Virtues of Abraham 19 

11. Abraham's Hospitality 21 

12. Abraham's Spirit of Self-sacri- 

fice 22 

13. Isaac Marries Rebecca 24 

14. Esau and Jacob 25 

15. The flight of Jacob, and So- 

journ with Laban 27 

16. Jacob's Return 29 

17. Joseph in his Father's House. 30 

18. Joseph Sold into Egypt 30 



19. Joseph in the House of Puti- 

phar 32 

20. Joseph in Prison 33 

21. Joseph's Greatness 34 

22. Joseph's Brethren go into 

Egypt 35 

23. Benjamin Goes Down to Egypt 37 

24. Joseph's Silver Cup 37 

25. Jacob Groes Down to Egypt.. 39 

26. The Death of Jacob and Jo- 

seph 41 

27. The Patience of Job 42 



AGE III. 

THE WONDERFUL EDUCATION OF THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL : 
FROM MOSES TO DAVID. 



28. The Birth of Moses 44 31. 

29. The Call of Moses 46 

30. The Ten Plagues of Egypt.... 47 

(311) 



The Death of the First-born— 
The Paschal Lamb— The De- 
parture from Egypt 49 



312 



CONTENTS. 



CHAP. PAGE 

32. The Passage of the Red Sea.. 50 

33. The Quails, the Manna, and 

the Water in the Desert 52 

34. The Ten Commandments— The 

Covenant of God with Israel . 53 

35. The Golden Calf 55 

36. The Ordinances for the Wor- 

ship of God 56 

37. The False Messengers — The 

Murmurs of the People — 
God's Chastisements 59 

38. Core, Dathan, and Abiron 61 

39. The Hesitation of Moses—The 

Brazen Serpent 62 



CHAP. PAGE 

40. The Death of Moses 63 

41. The Israelites Enter the Prom- 

ised Land 64 

42. The Judges 65 

43. The Pious Ruth 66 

44. Samuel— The Sons of Heli.... 68 

45. Saul, the First King 70 

46. David the Shepherd 71 

47. David and Goliath 72 

48. Jonathan's Love and Saul's 

Hatred for David 74 

49. David's Generosity to Saul— 

SauPs Death 75 



AGE IV. 

THE GRANDEUR OF THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL: FROM t)AVID 
TO THE DIVISION OF THE KINGDOM UNDER ROBOA^I. 



50. The Great and Pious King 

David 77 

51. The Revolt and Chastisement 

of Absolom 79 

52. The Last Days of David 81 

53. The Wisdom of Solomon 82 



54. The Building and Dedication 

of the Temple at Jerusalem. 83 

55. The Magnificence of Solomon 

—His End 85 

56. The Division of the King- 

dom 86 



AGE V. 

THE DECLINE OF THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL: 
FROM ROBOAM TO JESUS CHRIST. 



I>^RT F-IRST. 



THE KINGDOM OF ISRAEL TO ITS DESTRUCTION BY THE KINGS 
OF ASSYRIA. 

88 



57. A General View 

58. God Sends the Prophet Ell- 

as 89 

59. EUas and the Priests of 

Baal 90 

60. The Vineyard of Naboth 92 

61. The Prophet Eliseus 93 

62. The Prophet Jonas 95 



63. The End of the Kingdom of 

Israel 96 

64. The Old Tobias 97 

65. The Counsels of Tobias to his 

Son 98 

66. The Journey of the Young 

Tobias 90 

67. The Return of Tobias 100 



CONTENTS. 



313 



F^RT SECOND. 



THE KINGDOM OF JUDA TO THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST. 



CHAP. PAGE 

68. A Summary of the Principal 

Events 102 

69. The Kings to Ezechias 103 

70. The Pious Ezechias 104 

71. The Kings Preceding the Baby- 

lonish Captivity 105 

72. The Prophets 106 

73. The Captivity of Babylon... 106 

74. Daniel and the Three Young 

Men 108 

75. Daniel Saves Susanna 109 

76. The Three Young Men in the 

Fiery Furnace 110 

77. Daniel and Baltassar 113 

78. Daniel and the Idol Bel 113 



CIJAP. pAGB 

79. Daniel in the Lions' Den 114 

80 The Jews Return from Cap- 
tivity 116 

81. The Prophets after the Cap- 

tivity 117 

82. Esther 118 

83. Judith 120 

84. Eleazar the Martyr 122 

85. The Martyrdom of the Seven 

Machabees 123 

86. Mathathias and Judas Macha- 

beus 125 

87. From the Machabees to Jesus 

Christ 127 



-Mm>- 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



lPJk.TllJ FIRST. 

HISTORY OF JESUS CHRIST. 



The Birth of John the Baptist 

Announced 129 

The Birth of Jesus Announced 130 

Mary Visits Elizabeth 132 

The Birth of John the Bap- 
tist 133 



5. The Birth of Jesus Christ.... 133 

6. The Shepherds 134 

7. The Kings from the East 136 

8. Jesus Presented in the Temple 137 

9. The Flight into Egypt 138 

10. Jesus in the Temple 140 



THE PUBLIC LIFE OF JESUS CHRIST. 



11. The Preaching of John the 

Baptist 141 

12. Jesus is Baptized and Templ- 

ed 142 



13. Jesus the Lamb of God 144 

14. The First Disciples of Jesus 

Christ 145 

15. The Marriage at Cana UG 



314 



CONTENTS. 



THE FIRST YEAR OF CHRIST'S PUBLIC MINISTRY. 



CHAP. PAGE 

16. Christ's Zeal for the Sanctity 

of the Temple 141 

17. Nicodemus comes to see Jesus 148 

18. Jesus at the Well of Jacob. . . 149 

19. Jesus Preaches at Nazareth... 150 

20. The Miracles of Jesus at Ca- 

pharnaum 151 

21. The Miraculous Draught of 

Fishes 152 



CHAP. PAGE 

22. The Paralytic 154 

23. The Sermon on the Moun- 

tain 154 

24. The Leper — The Centurion's 

Servant 157 

25. The Widow's Son of Naim... 159 

26. Mary Magdalene 160 

\1. The Messengers of John the 

Baptist 161 



THE SECOND YEAR OF CHRIST'S PUBLIC MINISTRY. 



as. Jesus Cures a Man who had 

been Sick Thirty-eight Years 1B2 

29. The Seven Parables of the 

Kingdom of God 163 

30. The Tempest Calmed 166 

31. The Daughter of Jaims 167 

32. Jesus Chooses His Apostles.. 168 

33. John the Baptist Beheaded... 169 

34. The Loaves and Fishes 170 

35. The Promise of the Blessed 

Sacrament 1?^ 

36. The Woman of Chanaan 173 

37. The Primacy Conferred on 

Peter 173 

38. The Transfiguration 174 

39. Jesus the Friend of Children 

— Scandal 176 

40. The Pardon of Injuries— The 

Unforgiving Servant 177 

41. The Power of the Keys given 

to the Apostles 177 

42. The Parable of the Good 

Samaritan ... 178 

43. Mary and Martha 179 

44. The Lord's Prayer 180 

45. The Lost Sheep and the Good 

Shepherd 180 



46. The Prodigal Child 181 

47. The Rich Man and Lazarus . . 183 

48. The Cure of the Man Born 

Blind 184 

49. The Ten Lepers .... 186 

50. The Publican and the Phari- 

see 186 

51. The Rich Young Man 187 

52. The Laborers in the Vineyard. 188 

53. The Resurrection of Lazarus . . 189 

54. The Jews Seek to Kill Jesus. 191 

55. Zacheus the Publican 192 

56. Mary Magdalene Anoints the 

Feet of Jesus 193 

57. Christ's Triumphal Entry into 

Jerusalem 193 

58. The Parable of the Marriage 

Feast 195 

59. The Tribute to Caesar 196 

60. Christ Foretells the Destruc- 

tion of Jerusalem and the 
End of the World 197 

61. The Five Wise and the Five 

Foolish Virgins 199 

62. The Parable of the Talents . . 200 

63. The Last Judgment 200 



THE PASSION AND DEATH OF JESUS CHRIST. 



64. The Paschal Lamb 201 

65. The Washing of Feet 202 

66. Christ Institutes the Blessed 

Sacrament 203 



Jesus Foretells the Treason of 
Judas and the Denial of Peter 204 

Christ's Last Discourse to His 
Apostles '205 



CONTENTS. 



315 



CHAP. PAGE 

69. Jesus in the Garden of Geth- 

semani 206 

TO. Jesus Delivered to His Ene- 
mies 207 

71. Jesus before the Righ-priest. . 208 

72. Peter Denies Jesus 209 

73. The Despair of Judas 210 

74. Jesus Insulted 211 

75. Jesus before Pilate and Herod. 211 

76. Jesus and Barabbas 212 



CHAP. PAGE 

77. Jesus is Scourged and Crowned 

with Thorns 213 

78. Jesus is Condemned to Death. 214 

79. The Journey to Calvary 215 

80. Jesus is Nailed to the Cross.. 216 

81. Jesus on the Cross 216 

82. Mary at the Foot of the Cross. 217 

83. Jesus Dies on the Cross 218 

84. Jesus is Laid in the Tomb... 219 



THE GLORIOUS LIFE OF JESUS CHRIST. 



85. The Resurrection of Jesus 

Christ 220 

86. Jesus Appears to Mary Mag- 

dalene 222 

87. The Resurrection of Jesus 

Announced to the Chief 
Priests 223 

88. Jesus Appears to Two Dis- 

ciples Going to Emmaus. . . 224 

89. Jesus Appears to the Apos- 

tles 225 



90. Jesus Institutes the Sacra- 

ment of Penance 225 

91. Jesus and St. Thomas 226 

92. Peter Appointed Chief Pas- 

tor 226 

93. The Promise of the Holy 

Ghost 228 

94. Christ's Last Commission to 

His Apostles — His Ascen- 
sion 228 

95. An Observation 230 



I>.^RT SECOISTD, 

THE HISTORY OF THE APOSTLES. 



96. A Remark 230 

97. The Election of the Apostle 

Matthias 231 

98. The Descent of the Holy 

Ghost 231 

99. Peter Cures the Lame 

Man 233 

100. Peter and John before the 

Great Council 234 

101. The Lives of the First Chris- 

tians 235 

102. Ananias and Saphira 235 

103. The Apostles thrown into 

Prison 236 

104. Stephen the Deacon — The 

First Martyr 237 



105. 



106. 
107. 



108. 
109. 

110. 
111. 
112. 
113. 

114. 
115. 



Confirmation— Baptism of the 

Ethiopian 239 

The Conversion of St. Paul.. 241 
Peter Visits the different 
Churches in Judea— Corne- 
lius is Baptized 243 

Peter Cast into Pi'ison 245 

St. Paul's First Apostolic 

Journey 246 

The Council of Jerusalem . . . 248 

St. Paul's Second Voyage 249 

St. Paul's Third Voyage.... 252 
The Imprisonment and Death 

of St. Paul 253 

The other Apostles 255 

Conclusion 256 



316 



CONTENTS. 



CHURCH HISTORY 



FIRST PERIOD. 



FROM THE BIRTH OF CHRIST TO THE FALL OF ROME. 



CHAP. PAGE 

1. The Beginning of the Church. 261 

2. The Apostles 262 

3. The Spread of Christianity... 264 

4. The Pergecution of the Church 

—Jews 266 

5. Roman Persecutions 267 

6. Heresies 269 



CHAP. PAGE 

7. Heresies. Concluded 270 

8. Fall of the Roman Empire ... 271 

9. Rome Destroyed 272 

10. The Christian Apologists 274 

11. The Doctors and Fathers of 

the Church 275 



SECOND PERIOD. 



FROM THE FALL OF ROME TO THE PROTESTANT 
REFORMATION. 



12. The Conversion of the Bar- 

barians 278 

13. The Conversion of Ireland and 

Scotland 280 

14. The Conversion of England 

and Germany 281 

15. Religious Orders— East 283 

16. Religious Orders— West 284 

17. Religious Orders. Concluded. 285 



18. Mohammedanism 287 

19. Temporal Power of the Popes 288 

20. The Crusades 289 

21. The Crusades. Concluded.... 291 

22. Science and Literature during 

the Middle Ages 293 

23. The Monks and Literature ... 294 

24. Discoveries and Inventions of 

Catholics 296 



THIRD PERIOD. 

FROM THE REFORMATION TO THE PRESENT TIME. 



25. Causes of the Reformation . . . 298 

26. Luther 300 

27. Calvin and Knox 302 

28. The Protestant Reformation in 

England 303 



29. The Church in Asia & America 305 

30. Religious Wars in Europe 306 

31. Results of the Teachings of 

the Reformation 308 

32. General Conclusion 309 



THE 



CATHOLIC NATIONAL SERIES. 

READERS AND BIBLE HISTORY. 

• BY 

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